Barry Manilow, the beloved 82-year-old entertainer, has been compelled to postpone the commencement of his highly anticipated arena tour following a “very depressing visit” with his surgeon. The decision comes after the singer underwent surgery in December to address a “cancerous spot” discovered on his lung.
At the time of his surgery, Manilow confirmed that the cancer had been detected early enough to preclude the need for chemotherapy or radiation. However, his medical team has now advised that he is not yet ready to return to the stage.
A Necessary Postponement
Manilow shared the difficult news with his fans via a statement on Instagram, explaining that he has been instructed to postpone his scheduled February concerts. He detailed his recent conversation with his surgeon, expressing his initial optimism about his recovery.
“Hi everyone. Barry here. Just got home from visiting the surgeon. Very depressing visit,” he began. “I told him that I have been using the treadmill three times a day (I have) but that I still couldn’t sing more than three songs in a row before I had to stop. But I was sure that I would be able to do the Arena shows in a few weeks.”
The Grammy Award-winning artist, known for hits like “Mandy,” recounted the surgeon’s measured response to his eagerness to perform.
“He shook his head. He looked at me and then he looked at the floor. “What?” I said,” Manilow described. “He said, “Barry, you won’t be ready to do a 90-minute show. Your lungs aren’t ready yet. You’re in great shape considering what you’ve been through, but your body isn’t ready. You shouldn’t do the first Arena shows. You won’t make it through.””
The singer-songwriter admitted that he had “had a feeling he’d say that.” He confessed, “Deep down, I wanted to go back – but my body knew what my heart didn’t want to admit: I wasn’t ready.”
Rescheduled Dates and Fan Support
Manilow has since shared the rescheduled dates for his postponed shows, reassuring his devoted fanbase that he is dedicating himself to a full recovery and a triumphant return to the stage.
“I’m so sorry I have to reschedule the first batch of Arena shows from February 27th – March 17th,” he wrote. “He said I could likely do the Vegas shows at the very end of March and the second batch of Arena shows beginning in April. I’m SO, SO sorry I have to reschedule some of these first Arena shows. Again! But when I do come back, I will COME BACK!!!”
This latest postponement follows an earlier shift of his January shows to these February dates, initially planned to allow for a month of recovery post-surgery. It appears his healing process requires a little more time than the “chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns” approach he had envisioned.
Barry also took the opportunity to “once again” express his profound gratitude to his fans and loved ones for their “wonderful notes and phone calls of support.”
“The doctor said that my body had been through hell and that it needed time to heal. So, I’m going back to healing. All my love and gratitude, B,” he signed off.
The outpouring of support from his followers has been immediate and heartwarming. Many urged him to prioritize his health and “take his time.”
- Leeza Gibbons commented, “This is the right move Barry! Everyone is supportive and willing to wait! You are loved!”
- Jenny Hodge added, “Come back when you are ready, Barry. We’ll still be here for you!”
- Broadway star Donna Murphy expressed her unwavering loyalty, stating, “Supporting you & loving you always, Barry! Take good, good care of your wonderful self.”
A History of Resilience
Manilow publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis in December, revealing that it was discovered “out of pure luck” during a precautionary MRI scan while he was recovering from a bout of bronchitis.
The iconic entertainer, who publicly came out as gay in 2017 after decades of keeping his sexuality private due to concerns about disappointing his fanbase, also battled throat cancer in 2020, making a swift recovery.
He has been candid about his past struggles with smoking, having become addicted to cigarettes at the age of nine and smoking for decades. In recent years, he has transitioned to vaping and e-cigarettes.
Speaking in 2012, as reported by The Standard, Manilow reflected on his smoking history: “Well, I smoked for 30 years. I started when I was nine years old. I grew up in Brooklyn. Then I stopped about 15, 20 years ago. Then I just started in Las Vegas and the band and I went down to a little club and somebody offered me a cigarette. And I was back. Within a week I was back. Not on a pack a day, ’cause when I was really smoking I was on three packs a day – non filters. Oh yeah. I was a great smoker.”
Beyond his lung cancer diagnosis and past throat cancer, Manilow has a history of overcoming various health challenges, including bronchial pneumonia, a mouth tumor, heart issues, and hip surgery.
Barry Manilow has achieved monumental success in his career, selling over 85 million albums worldwide. His extensive catalogue of hits includes enduring classics such as “Could It Be Magic,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and the unforgettable “Copacabana (At the Copa).”
