Barry Manilow Has Hip Surgery
Singing legend Barry Manilow has had surgery yesterday to remove fluid and repair torn leg muscles.
His agent has announced that Manilow will be in recovery for six weeks. Before the surgery, Manilow issued a statement giving the reason for his surgery: “That’s what you get when you jump around to ‘Copacabana’ for 30 years!”
He also told fans: “The only bummer is that on Monday morning, right after the last Las Vegas show, I go into the hospital for another operation on my poor messed up hips.”
Manilow had hip surgery in 1996 to repair torn cartilage in both hips. His first appearance after surgery was at a concert in Atlantic City, where he came out on stage in a golden wheelchair.
Manilow has had a considerable career, beginning in 1970 with his work with Bette Midler. He accompanied her on piano before breaking off and releasing his own soundtrack. Since then, Manilow has had several hits, including “Copacabana,” “I Write the Songs,” and “Mandy.”
He has won several awards including three American Music Awards, two Grammy’s, and two Emmy’s. In 2002 Manilow was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, and in 2009 was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.
Manilow has developed a loyal following, with his fans often being known as “Fanilows.” There have been numerous jokes and critiques of the Fanilows’ devotion. One episode of NBC’s “Will & Grace” was entitled “Fanilow” and focused solely on the group and, of course, Barry Manilow, who even had a guest role.
More recently, Manilow has performed at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. He has been there since 2010. Manilow’s next performance comes on Feb. 2 in Chicago; it will be the first since his surgery.
