Copacabana singer Barry Manilow, 82, vapes during rare outing in Palm Springs… ahead of farewell tour dates

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I’ve been a huge Barry Manilow fan for years, and it’s well known he’s incredibly private – he really keeps to himself. But even someone as reserved as him needs a little downtime, and I recently found out he enjoys a vape when he steps out for some air. It’s a surprising little detail about a legend who usually keeps everything close to the vest!

The 82-year-old performer was seen enjoying a rare public appearance in his hometown of Palm Springs, California on December 17th.

Manilow appeared to be standing in a parking lot with vape pen in hand.

His fans might be worried about him using electronic cigarettes, especially considering his past health issues.

The famous singer started vaping more than ten years ago as a way to quit smoking three packs of cigarettes daily.

Manilow told the London Evening Standard in 2012 that he’d been smoking since the age of nine.

‘Well, I smoked for 30 years. I started when I was nine years old. I grew up in Brooklyn,’ he said.

I’d actually given it up for a good 15, 20 years, honestly. But then, a few years ago, I ended up in Las Vegas with the band, playing this tiny club. Someone offered me a cigarette, and that was it – I was right back to it. It was like I never stopped, and honestly, I was thrilled!

I was back to smoking within a week, though not as heavily as before. I used to go through three packs of unfiltered cigarettes a day – I was a serious smoker back then.

Barry Manilow has faced several health challenges throughout his career, including problems with his vocal cords, bronchial infections, and throat cancer. Fortunately, the cancer was detected in 2020 and he has since recovered.

He said he switched from smoking cigarettes to vaping more than ten years ago.

Manilow added that vaping may not work for everybody, but it works for him.

Oh my god, Barry Manilow actually said they work! He told The Evening Standard that these things were a lifesaver – for him, his band, everyone on his team who desperately wanted to quit smoking but just couldn’t! It’s amazing, honestly. He finally found something that helped him and the whole crew kick the habit! I knew he was a genius!

The Copacabana hitmaker has been seen vaping in public and at events before.

 The recent sighting comes as Manilow prepares to hit the stage for U.S. tour dates in January 2026.

The singer will be performing a final set of concerts in nine cities – including Orlando, Tampa, Charleston, Greensboro, and Columbus – before retiring from performing in those locations, as announced on his website.

Fans can expect the same high-energy performance he’s always delivered.

Barry Manilow shared with Parade magazine in 2023 that he feels great even with only four hours of sleep each night, thanks to his high energy levels.

The musician thinks growing up in fast-paced New York City is the reason he’s always had high energy and doesn’t require much sleep.

He explained to the magazine that he doesn’t require much sleep, typically getting by on just four hours a night, a pattern that’s continued for years.

‘When you start out in New York, you’re always a New Yorker.

I’m just a naturally high-energy person – I tend to speak and think quickly. I think it’s probably because living in New York City keeps you constantly on the go, always rushing for a subway seat or dealing with the fast pace of life.

Although he’s incredibly energetic, the singer known for ‘Mandy’ has battled several serious health problems throughout his life, including pneumonia, a tumor in his mouth, heart issues, and hip replacement surgery. He’s often expressed his surprise and gratitude that he’s still able to perform.

In a 2019 interview with the Daily Mirror, he said he was doing okay, but felt like something bad was still coming. He also expressed surprise at being able to continue working at his age.

You noticed me walking up the stairs on stage – there are fourteen steps going up and then fourteen coming down. Honestly, you’d think I’d need a wheelchair with all those steps!

He’s also said his love of music and performing is what keeps him going.

The songwriter, famous for creating globally popular hits, hinted in a 2015 interview with Palm Springs Life that he has plenty more music still to come.

He also said he was lucky his music career took off, because he doesn’t know where he’d be without it.

I don’t have any other skills, and honestly, this is the only thing I really care about. You’d expect that after so long, I’d have explored every musical style that appeals to me – I’ve worked with pop, big band, Broadway, jazz, you name it – but there’s always something new to discover and try.

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2025-12-19 22:08