Barry Manilow Reveals ‘Very Depressing’ Surgeon’s Orders to Postpone More Shows, Extend Recovery Time After Cancer Treatment

For the second time this year, music icon Barry Manilow has postponed a significant portion of his ongoing arena tour. The delay, impacting nearly three weeks of shows beginning in late February, stems from a slower-than-anticipated recovery following surgery to remove a cancerous lung lesion. Manilow, whose string of 70s and 80s hits like "Mandy" and "Copacabana" made him a household name, shared the news on social media, calling it "very depressing." This follows an initial postponement in January for the surgical procedure itself.

In a candid post, the 80-year-old artist explained that a recent medical checkup revealed his lungs are not yet sufficiently healed for the rigors of a full concert performance. "Deep down, I wanted to go back — but my body knew what my heart didn’t want to admit: I wasn’t ready," Manilow wrote, quoting his surgeon's advice that his body "needed time to heal" after its ordeal. Consequently, dates from February 27 through March 17 in cities including Tampa, Charlotte, and Nashville are being moved. Recovery from thoracic surgery is notoriously variable; vocal coaches and physicians note that premature strain can not only affect vocal quality but also lead to longer-term health setbacks, a critical risk for a performer.

The health issue first emerged in December. Manilow disclosed that the lesion was discovered via an MRI scan while he was recuperating from a severe bout of bronchitis. He remained optimistic then, noting chemotherapy would not be required and even completing a series of holiday concerts. The January tour dates were subsequently postponed for the operation, with the aim of returning for a Valentine's week engagement at his long-time performance home, the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Manilow's residency there, which began in 2018, has been credited with helping to cement Las Vegas as a premier destination for iconic pop and soft-rock acts, drawing audiences who might not typically visit the city's newer, larger venues.

Provided his recovery stays on track, the revised schedule now sees Manilow targeting a return with his Westgate Las Vegas shows near the end of March. The arena tour is then planned to restart in April, with a newly added block of seven April concerts still confirmed. Key stops include New York's UBS Arena on April 13 and the Prudential Center in Newark on April 14. His calendar remains packed, with further Las Vegas residency dates scheduled from May through July and bookings extending nearly to year's end.

Addressing his fans directly, Manilow expressed profound regret for the disruption. "I’m SO, SO sorry... But when I do come back, I will COME BACK!!!" he vowed, also thanking supporters for their outpouring of well-wishes. This incident highlights the intense physical toll of sustained touring, a reality even for seasoned entertainers. It also reflects a positive shift within the industry toward greater transparency regarding artists' health, fostering a more informed and empathetic connection with audiences. As veteran tour manager Linda Faber has noted, "The old 'the show must go on' mentality is giving way to a more sustainable approach that prioritizes an artist's long-term well-being, which ultimately benefits everyone."