Barry Manilow Shares Why He Couldn’t Record ‘Once Before I Go’ Until Now (Exclusive)

Barry Manilow has a few more songs to share before he bids farewell.

The 82-year-old Grammy winner unveiled a new song, “Once Before I Go,” on Tuesday, Sept. 23 and shared a series of new North American dates for his farewell tour.

“Once Before I Go’ is a beautiful song written by the late Peter Allen and his writing partner Dean Pitchford,” Manilow tells PEOPLE in a statement.

“Peter played it for me when I was living in New York,” continues the “Mandy” artist. “I’ve always loved it, but I was too young to be able to sing it truthfully.”

Manilow explains, “Out of the blue I got a phone call from my friend Clive Davis. He said, ‘Barry, have you ever heard of a song called “Once Before I Go”?’ I said, ‘Yes Clive, I know the song.’ Clive said, ‘You should record this song, Barry.’ And I did!”

Previously performed by Hugh Jackman in The Boy from Oz, “Once Before I Go” features heartfelt lyrics about feeling content with one’s actions before exiting a meaningful scenario.

“Once more, just once before I go, I want you to know / That I have loved you all along and even when we’re far apart / I only need to feel you’re living in my heart and I’ll be strong / I’ll love you just the way I’ve loved you all along,” sings Manilow on his version.

The icon’s take on “Once Before I Go” is especially sentimental, as he’s in the midst of his farewell tour — which features his classic hits “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “Looks Like We Made It,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and “Copacabana” at every show.

On Sept. 23, Manilow announced new dates in cities throughout Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Ohio, taking place in January 2026.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 26. VIP packages are also available, with more information on Manilow’s website.

See Manilow’s latest 2026 farewell dates below.

The Last Sunrise Show – Sunrise, FL @ Amerant Bank Arena on Jan. 6

The Last Orlando Show – Orlando, FL @ Kia Center on Jan. 7

The Last Tampa Show – Tampa, FL @ Benchmark International Arena on Jan. 8

The Last Estero Show – Estero, FL @ Hertz Arena on Jan. 10 and 11

The Last Jacksonville Show – Jacksonville, FL @ VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on Jan. 12

The Last Charleston Show – Charleston, SC @ North Charleston Coliseum on Jan. 14

The Last Greensboro Show – Greensboro, NC @ First Horizon Coliseum on Jan. 15

The Last Duluth Show – Duluth, GA @ Gas South Arena on Jan. 16

The Last Columbus Show – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena on Jan. 18