The legendary Barry Manilow has revealed that he never realised how brave he'd have to be before he started out in the music business, as he was seen as uncool, got bad reviews and was "the subject of crueller jokes".

This is why Manilow was so surprised when he made hard rocker, Slash from Guns N' Roses, stutter when they were introduced.

Manilow said: "There was the rocker Slash, who stuttered when we were introduced, out of nerves. I’d no idea these people even knew what it is I’ve been doing these past 35 years, let alone that they’d think I’m OK.

The Copacabana singer also said: "Dave Grohl couldn't have been nicer."

"I always assume anyone younger or cooler will think I stink and that they’ll make fun of me behind my back."

Manilow will be performing at London's O2 for four nights starting May 4.

Watch Barry Manilow perform 'Mandy' in 1978 below: