Legendary performer feared he'd lost voice

If ever anyone is the embodiment of the classic mantra “the show must go on”, it was the remarkable performer facing 12,000 adoring fans.

- BY MARK JEFFERIES Showbiz Editor in Glasgow

Less than six months ago, Barry Manilow was diagnosed with lung cancer. Less than a week ago, he feared his voice would not return.

Yet here he was, the ultimate showman, at Glasgow's OVO Hydro Arena, lapping up the love of the audience and cracking self-deprecating jokes at the start of a UK tour.

The 82-year-old star, who has given the world enduring favourites such as Could It Be Magic, Looks Like We Made It and Mandy, was back where he belonged and full of gratitude.

He said: “You know what got me through? Hundreds and hundreds of notes and texts and letters from people all over the world telling me they were thinking of me, wishing me well, praying for me.

“If you were one of those beautiful people, really, it was you that got me through those scary times. I thank you”

The show got off to a lively start with costume changes and Barry dancing with his backing singers.

But midway through his 90-minute set, he spoke about his health issue.

He said: “Unless you have been living under a rock you will know I have been in hospital for a couple of months.

“Its always a shock when your doctor calls you and tells you that you've got lung cancer, and i'm sure a lot of people have been down this road. So, after I got over the shock, you know what I did? I blasted The Beatles albums over and over and over, I did, until Garry (husband Garry Kief) said he was gonna leave me if I didn't stop. The dogs were howling.