Barry Manilow is once again rescheduling concerts as he continues to recover from surgery following a lung cancer diagnosis. The beloved singer-songwriter announced Friday that the first leg of his 2026 arena tour will be postponed, explaining that his body isn’t yet strong enough to handle a full 90-minute performance.
Manilow, 82, revealed in December that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer after experiencing prolonged bronchitis. The cancer was detected during a precautionary MRI scan, a discovery he described as fortunate, as it was caught early enough to avoid the need for chemotherapy or radiation. While he initially expressed optimism about his recovery, recent developments have necessitated further adjustments to his performance schedule.
The decision to postpone comes after what Manilow described as a “very depressing visit” with his surgeon. In a statement shared on Instagram on February 20, he relayed the doctor’s assessment: “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.” Despite diligently using a treadmill three times a day, Manilow admitted he could only manage to sing three songs in a row before needing to stop.
The postponed shows include all performances scheduled between February 27 and March 17. However, Manilow remains hopeful about resuming his tour schedule soon, with plans to potentially perform in Las Vegas “at the very end of March” and continue with the second leg of arena shows beginning in April. He assured fans, “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!!!”
Manilow’s health journey has been closely followed by fans since his initial announcement. In January, he provided a positive update, stating he was feeling “better” after surgery, but subsequently cancelled Valentine’s weekend concerts. This latest setback underscores the challenges of recovery following significant medical intervention. CBS News reported on the recent cancellations Friday.
The singer expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his fans, adding, “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.”
Prior to these recent postponements, Manilow had been preparing for what was billed as his final US arena tour. He also completed a series of performances considered his last full concerts in the UK, including a residency at the iconic London Palladium. Reflecting on that experience, he shared in a previous statement, “In 1978, The London Palladium is where I began my love affair with the British public. These shows will be my last full concerts in Britain and I wanted to end where I began – at the London Palladium.”
Manilow’s dedication to performing, even while navigating health challenges, is evident in his commitment to returning to the stage. While the immediate future holds further recovery and rescheduling, the singer’s message remains clear: he intends to continue sharing his music with audiences for years to come.
As Manilow focuses on regaining his strength, fans eagerly await updates on his progress and the rescheduled dates for his tour. The singer’s resilience and positive outlook offer a beacon of hope as he continues on his path to recovery.
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