Barry Manilow looking forward to 'saying goodbye' before last Des Moines concert

Barry Manilow is saying goodbye to Des Moines as he marks the end of his touring career.

But he wants to emphasize to fans: He is not saying goodbye to performing. Iowans have one last chance to see him on tour in Des Moines on Aug. 1 for "The Last Des Moines Concert." After that, Iowans may have to travel to Las Vegas to see the 15-time Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and musician.

"When I started making records, what you do is you make a record and you go on tour. I didn't know it would last this long," Manilow said. "I never thought this career of mine would last this long. We started in 1974, geez, and I began to see the country and meet the people of all of these cities. And I was always shocked when they showed up to see this skinny little guy doing his songs."

Why is Barry Manilow hosting his last tour?

Manilow said he is over packing his bags and living the tour lifestyle. That doesn't mean fanilows can't still see him perform his classics live like "Copacabana," "I Write the Song" and "Mandy." Manilow's residency in Las Vegas at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino is one of the top residencies in Las Vegas.

"We all know I am saying goodbye to touring. I am not saying goodbye to performing. I am done packing," Manilow said with a laugh.

When was the last time Barry Manilow came to Iowa?

This won't be the first time Manilow has come to Iowa. He played the 1993 Iowa State Fair, shortly after record flooding hit the state. Manilow returned to Iowa the following year to play in Ames at Stephens Auditorium.

"We got there either right in the middle of it and the people of Des Moines were still going through it," Manilow said. "I think even the night that we played there it was just raining. It was pretty awful. I did what I could to sing. I made it through the rain, and I told them I would be back. And I did. I came back that next year. It was a horrible, horrible storm though."

Manilow also played at Wells Fargo Arena in 2012.

Barry Manilow reflects on his career before final Iowa show

The Register had a chance to sit down with Manilow a few weeks before his final Iowa show. The following is a Q&A from that interview.

Des Moines Register: How does it feel to surpass Elvis Presley's record of number of shows at Westgate?

Manilow: "I felt embarrassed because my name next to Elvis, that is ridiculous. And that's what I feel. He invented a style of music. This guy was not just your everyday singer. He invented a whole style of performing and a whole style of music. To put my name next to it, he was a god, I am very proud to be on the stage that he was."

Register: What's your favorite song to perform?

Manilow: "My favorite songs are really the songs I never do. Because I am so used to doing these bits or songs that everybody likes. I think you will get that from every artist. The songs that I like are the songs that nobody knows hidden on various albums.

"If I had to pick a favorite song that people do know, it would be 'Could it be Magic.' It came from my very first album. It was a seven-and-a-half-minute record. I knew nothing about radio. In radio, you can only give them a three-minute record. That's the one that comes to mind."

Register: How do you keep your shows fresh for yourself and your audience?

Manilow: "I don't even have to think about it because it is the audience that makes it fresh. They told me over the years what they want me to sing, and I am happy to give it to them. They want me to give them songs that they know. And I am one of the lucky guys that's got a catalog of songs that I can sing to for over 90 minutes and every song is familiar. Now not many people can say that. Certainly, Elton (John) can do it and Billy Joel can do it and some of the greats. Well, I am one of the lucky guys that can do that. And that's what I do, night after night, and I am happy to do it."

What's next for Barry Manilow?

Manilow is very busy, whether it is with his Las Vegas residency or working on the Manilow Music Project that helps support music programs for schools. The Manilow Music Project has distributed more than $10 million in instruments and funds across the country.

"That keeps us busy. Other than that, there's more moments that I will be doing. A concert here, a concert there, but no more tours," Manilow said.

Manilow just got off performing at the London Palladium for an entire month. The London Palladium was the first place he performed in London in 1978. This sold-out performance was a nice way to say goodbye to touring, Manilow said.

"I am looking forward to seeing these people and saying goodbye to them. And thanking them for a lot of years, a lot of years. So I hope everybody comes and helps me say goodbye."

Get tickets for Barry Manilow in Des Moines

The show starts at 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St. in Des Moines.

Tickets are still available for as low as $19.50 at hyveetix.com .

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @ Kkealey17 .

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Barry Manilow looking forward to 'saying goodbye' before last Des Moines concert