Barry Manilow, the legendary singer-songwriter known for hits like "Mandy" and "Copacabana," has announced the postponement of several arena dates on his farewell tour as he continues to recover from lung cancer surgery. The 80-year-old performer shared the update on his social media on Wednesday, describing a recent doctor's visit as "very depressing." Manilow, who revealed his Stage 1 lung cancer diagnosis in late December, underwent a procedure shortly after and has been working to rebuild his strength for the stage.
In his Instagram post, Manilow detailed the challenges he's facing in his recovery. "Just got home from visiting the surgeon. Very depressing visit," he wrote. He explained that despite regular exercise to improve his stamina, he struggled during rehearsals, managing only "more than three songs in a row before I had to stop." Manilow had hoped to resume performances soon but was advised otherwise by his surgeon, who "shook his head" at the idea of him tackling full concerts right away.
The doctor's orders are clear: Manilow's lungs are not yet prepared for the demands of a 90-minute show. As a result, the first batch of tour dates, originally scheduled between February 27 and March 17, will be rescheduled. According to Manilow, his surgeon indicated that he could potentially return to the stage by the end of March and into the beginning of April. These upcoming shows are part of what Manilow has billed as "The Last Concerts," his farewell tour meant to give fans a final opportunity to see him perform live.
"In the meantime, and once again, thank you all for your 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," Manilow wrote in his post.
Manilow's health setback comes just weeks after he pushed back his Las Vegas residency, which was initially set for February 12 to 21 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. That decision followed his surgery, as he prioritized recovery over performance. Earlier this year, in January, he had already rescheduled several dates from his tour due to the same health concerns, demonstrating a pattern of adjustments to accommodate his healing process.
The tour in question marks a significant milestone for Manilow, who has been entertaining audiences for over five decades. With an impressive array of accolades including Emmy, Grammy, and Tony awards, the soft rock-pop icon has sold millions of records and filled arenas worldwide. His farewell tour was announced with emotional weight, as Manilow previously stated, "Years from now, when you look back on these dates, you’ll want to know you were there to say goodbye." Fans have responded with an outpouring of support, which Manilow acknowledged gratefully in his latest update.
Manilow's cancer diagnosis was first made public in late December 2023, catching many by surprise given his active performance schedule at the time. The Stage 1 lung cancer was detected early, and he underwent surgery promptly, which medical experts generally view as a positive factor for recovery. While specific details about the procedure remain private, Manilow has shared that it involved addressing the tumor in his lung, and subsequent checkups have guided his return-to-work timeline.
Entertainment industry observers note that such postponements are not uncommon for artists dealing with serious health issues, especially at Manilow's age. His commitment to his fans is evident in the way he's handling the situation, opting for rescheduling rather than cancellation. Ticket holders for the affected dates have been advised to hold onto their tickets, as the shows will be moved to later in the spring, aligning with his doctor's recommendations.
Looking back, Manilow's career has been marked by resilience. He rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of chart-topping singles and has maintained a strong presence in Las Vegas, where he's performed residencies for years. His most recent Vegas run was postponed earlier this month, but sources close to the singer indicate that plans are in place to revive it once he's cleared for full performances. The Westgate, a longtime venue for Manilow, expressed support for his recovery in a statement, though no further details were provided.
The impact of Manilow's health news extends beyond his immediate tour schedule. As one of the last of his generation of pop crooners still actively touring, his absence from the stage affects not just fans but the broader entertainment landscape. Concerts in major arenas across the U.S., including stops in cities like Chicago, Boston, and Los Angeles, were part of the February-March lineup now delayed. Promoters have confirmed that all rescheduled dates will be announced soon, with efforts to minimize disruptions for attendees.
Manilow's social media post also highlighted his personal efforts to get back in shape. He mentioned exercising regularly, a regimen that's helped many performers in similar situations regain their endurance. However, the surgeon's assessment underscored the need for patience, emphasizing that rushing back could jeopardize long-term health. This cautious approach aligns with medical advice for cancer survivors, particularly those involving lung procedures, where respiratory capacity is a key concern.
Fans have flooded Manilow's comments sections with messages of encouragement, sharing stories of how his music has touched their lives over the decades. One supporter wrote, "Take all the time you need, Barry. We'll be waiting," capturing the sentiment from his dedicated audience. Manilow, in turn, has used his platform to urge others to prioritize health checkups, subtly raising awareness about early detection of illnesses like lung cancer.
As Manilow focuses on healing at his home in California, questions linger about the full scope of his tour. The "Last Concerts" series was intended to wrap up his performing career on a high note, with dates extending through the summer in various North American cities. While no further postponements have been announced, his team is monitoring his progress closely. Industry insiders report that backup plans are in place, including potential adjustments to set lengths or additional rest periods between shows once he resumes.
The broader context of aging artists facing health challenges is increasingly relevant in the music world. Peers like Paul McCartney and Elton John have navigated similar issues, often extending tours or modifying performances to suit their physical limits. Manilow's situation serves as a reminder of the physical toll of a lifetime on the road, even for someone who's maintained a relatively low-key lifestyle compared to some rock counterparts.
Looking ahead, Manilow's return in late March could signal a triumphant comeback, allowing him to deliver the farewell performances he's promised. For now, the focus remains on recovery, with his surgeon's guidance taking precedence. As he put it, his body "had been through hell," but with time and support, fans hope to see the entertainer who has defined an era of music back where he belongs—on stage, captivating audiences one song at a time.