Barry Manilow has made a triumphant return to the stage, kicking off his UK tour in Glasgow with a standing ovation from adoring fans. The performance at the OVO Hydro on June 9 marked his first show since being diagnosed with lung cancer six months ago.
A Stirring Comeback
The 82-year-old singer, known for hits like "Copacabana" and "Mandy," addressed the crowd, saying: "Looks like we made it! This is the first show of our UK tour so get ready for anything. Let's get this party started!" He opened with a piano medley of his classic songs, getting fans on their feet.
Health Challenges and Recovery
At the end of last year, Manilow revealed doctors had found a "cancerous spot" on his lung, requiring surgery. This forced him to postpone several dates on his Last Concerts tour. He spent seven days in intensive care due to pneumonia, describing the recovery as "agony." He said: "It wasn't so much the surgery that got me, it was the pneumonia."
Despite the setback, Manilow has been working with a vocal coach to regain his voice. He admitted on Good Morning America that he didn't sound like himself during early sound checks but is now feeling "great." He noted: "Everything is all better."
Vocal Concerns and Future Dates
Manilow had earlier confessed to the LA Times that he wasn't ready for a full 90-minute show, saying: "I'm not up for that yet. I will be, but it's taking a long time to get my voice back." However, his Glasgow performance proved he is on the mend.
The tour continues with five more UK dates, including Leeds, Liverpool, Cardiff, Birmingham, and a final show at The O2 in London on June 17, which coincides with his 83rd birthday. Reflecting on his life and career, Manilow said: "Have I done everything I wanted to do? Have I been good to people? Have I made people feel good? That's all I ever wanted to do with my music."
Fans can still purchase tickets through Ticketmaster for remaining shows.
