Barry Manilow is saying goodbye, and he’s doing it with the same dramatic flair that defined his entire career. At 82, the pop icon is wrapping up his legendary musical journey with a farewell tour that he cheekily calls his “see him before he croaks” tour.

The Brooklyn-born musician, who transformed from jingle writer to pop superstar, is hitting major California venues like Oakland, Sacramento, and San Jose in what feels like a nostalgic victory lap. But let’s be real - Manilow isn’t exactly retiring. He’s just switching gears, maintaining his Las Vegas residency and continuing to create music.

From Jingles to Stardom

Before becoming a household name, Manilow was the mastermind behind some of the most iconic commercial jingles. Ever hummed the State Farm “Like a good neighbor” tune? Yep, that’s Manilow’s handiwork. He started as a behind-the-scenes musical genius, never intending to be the center of attention.

The Unexpected Pop Icon

His breakthrough came with “Mandy” in 1974, catapulting him from background pianist to full-blown pop sensation. Working alongside Bette Midler early in his career, he learned the art of performance, transforming from a nervous stage newcomer to a charismatic entertainer who could captivate audiences.

One Last Musical Goodbye

Now, Manilow is saying farewell on his own terms. “If I can make them forget for 90 minutes what they’re going through, then that’s what I’m going to do,” he says. And isn’t that the magic of music? Creating a momentary escape, a burst of joy in a complicated world.

For Bay Area fans, catch Manilow’s final local performances: July 18 in Oakland and July 20 in San Jose. It’s not just a concert - it’s a celebration of a musical legacy.