Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Barry’s back: Manilow begins new Westgate show this week

Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow can’t wait to get back onstage at the Westgate’s International Theater.

I’m a fan of R&B and hip-hop. I grew up listening to Prince and Michael Jackson, memorized Snoop Dogg’s first album in high school and immersed myself in Nirvana and Radiohead in my 20s. Classic soul, heavy metal, indie rock, you name the genre, I’ve dabbled—and enjoyed all of it. I’m sure you’ve done the same.

But what was your first music? The first record I can remember listening to—yes, vinyl—was “This One’s for You” by Barry Manilow, which he released in 1976, the year I was born. I’d sit on the floor in front of my parents’ stereo and listen to “Daybreak” and “Looks Like We Made It.” First music.

I’m not the only one whose pop music consciousness is founded on Barry Manilow. And I’m not the only person to explain that to Barry Manilow.

“I couldn’t be happier that my music has withstood time and had that kind of impact on people,” says Manilow, who begins his new residency at the Westgate resort this week. “Because what happens to all young artists that become successful overnight is I was getting killed by the critics. I mean, killed. They tried to annihilate me and my music. And then as the years go by things begin to change, and then I hear stuff like this, that while I was getting killed there was a whole batch of people who were loving what they were hearing. While it was happening, I didn’t realize that.”

Despite early criticism, of course, Manilow went on to become one of pop music’s most prolific and successful songwriters and recording artists, notching 47 Top 40 singles and 12 No. 1 hits. He hasn’t really ever stopped, releasing his 30th album “This Is My Town: Songs of New York” last year following two albums in 2014.

Manilow says his creative process hasn’t changed much over the years. He remains focused on melody even if today’s radio hits are more rhythmic.

“I miss the melodies on the radio. Sure, there’s one or two now and again but these days it’s all about rhythm and it’s wonderful, irresistible,” he says. “My writing style is the same as it always been. I try to come up with as good a melody as I can and as great a lyric as I can. The hardest thing about writing a song is always the idea. What is it about? What do you want the song to say? When you figure that out, writing the song is fun and that hasn’t changed.”

Manilow performed at the Westgate from 2005 to 2010 (when the off-Strip resort was still known as the Las Vegas Hilton) then slid over to Paris Las Vegas for a two-year run. He’s excited to be performing in Las Vegas again, especially at the Westgate which has seen quite a bit of renovation and activation but left its historic showroom, the International Theater, intact.

“I’m so glad they haven’t touched the showroom,” he says. “If you put long tables in that room instead of the theater seating, it would take you back to the days of Sinatra and Dean Martin. Showrooms just don’t look like that anymore and they even kept the name. Barbra [Streisand] opened it followed by Elvis, and everyone from Aretha Franklin to Michael Bublé has played that stage. Even when I walk out for soundcheck, it really does feel like a very special place.”

When Manilow takes that stage again for his first show on Thursday, expect to hear all the hits, from “Mandy” to “Can’t Smile Without You” to “Copacabana.” He’s booked into October but is hoping this Vegas show will last much longer.

“I’m planning on being there forever,” he laughs. “We started at the Hilton for one year and wound up with five years, so who knows what happens. If nobody comes, they’ll throw me out.”

“Manilow Las Vegas: The Hits Come Home” will be presented at the Westgate International Theater (3000 Paradise Road, 888-796-3564) at 8 p.m. May 24-26, June 14-16 and 21-23, July 19-21 and 26-28, and October 4-6 and 11-13. More information can be found at westgateresorts.com.