For more than five decades, Barry Manilow has consistently made people feel emotions through music, and he has done it well. Whether it was love, joy, or just the need to sing along, he always delivered. Now at 81, he’s doing it one last time.
In what might be his final tour, the legendary singer kicked off his Farewell Tour on May 23 in Pittsburgh. Fans came prepared to cry, cheer, and soak in every moment, knowing they may never see him perform live again, and the singer delivered.
Barry Manilow’s performance was electrifying
@lehmanlaw0 Weekend in New England #Philadelphia #BarryManilow #farewelltour ♬ original sound – Michael
Barry didn’t just walk onto the stage; he made an entrance. The lights came up, the band struck the opening notes of “It’s a Miracle,” and the crowd roared. Dressed in a deep blue jacket, he smiled and waved before diving into a mix of fast songs, sweet ballads, and a little bit of dancing. He didn’t rush. He told stories. He joked about his age. He talked about coming to Pittsburgh for the first time in 1973 and laughed, “We’ve known each other for 52 years, and I still look fabulous, right?”
When he sang songs like “Looks Like We Made It” and “Somewhere in the Night,” the audience lit up the arena with green glowsticks. He even put karaoke lyrics on the screen, so fans could sing along to “Can’t Smile Without You.” For many, it wasn’t just a concert. It was a trip down memory lane.
Barry Manilow donated $10 million to support school music programs
One of the most touching parts of the show came when Manilow talked about his grandfather. He shared how his grandpa encouraged his music and how he stood up for him at Carnegie Hall. The audience fell silent, then clapped loudly, some wiping away tears.
He also used the night to give back. Through his Manilow Music Project, he’s donated $10 million to support school music programs. In Pittsburgh, he honored Len Lavelle, a local band director, with $10,000 in total donations. “Kids love their music teachers,” he said. “And I’m proud to help.” When he sang I Write the Songs, the crowd rose again. And by the time he closed with Copacabana, it felt like a real party. Before the curtain fell, he said, “Thanks for tonight. I hope I see you again.”