Review: Barry Manilow brings the magic at Co-op Live

With a sold out audience all waving illuminated glow sticks to techno beats, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were at a rave at the brand new Co-op Live. But no, this was the scene to greet Barry Manilow to the stage in Manchester for this, billed as his “Last, last tour”.

Barry cuts a remarkable figure on stage - looking, dancing and sounding like a man half of his 80 years. Rather fitting then that his opening number is to belt out “It’s a Miracle”.

He looks genuinely touched by the response from this audience of die hard fans saying “I really can’t believe this”.

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He’s also pretty impressed with the Co-op Live arena saying: "It's a beautiful place, I'm really glad we're here at the beginning of it," he says (with all memories of the opening dramas now seemingly a thing of the past). He even says he’s looking forward to coming back here in a bit of a tease to fans that this may not be the last, last tour after all.

It was also a remarkably seamless entry for most fans heading to the new arena - just at the same time Man City fans were pouring out of the neighbouring Etihad Stadium celebrating winning the league.

Although there was to be no impromptu chorus of Blue Moon or any mention at all of the footy from Barry.

Instead Barry’s set is a choice mix of his classic ballads and biggest hits, mixed in with his witty banter and willingness to laugh at himself.

“I have a question for you guys does anybody like the music that came out of the 70s?” He says to huge cheers. “Well you’ve come to the right place for that,” he adds before launching into Looks Like We Made It.

As anyone who’s ever