Barry Manilow has postponed more than a dozen concerts scheduled through mid-March following a recent lung cancer operation, the singer announced via Instagram. The 82-year-old performer, known for hits like “Mandy” and “Copacabana,” stated that doctors advised against extensive performances, citing his recovery.
Manilow revealed in December that he had been diagnosed with stage-one lung cancer after weeks of bronchitis prompted his doctor to order an MRI. The scan revealed a cancerous spot on his left lung requiring surgical removal. At the time, he expressed optimism, noting the early detection was “pure luck (and a great doctor).”
Despite feeling “great” post-surgery, Manilow acknowledged limitations in his current vocal capacity. “I’m doing great…I’m even doing my exercises and spending time in the studio,” he wrote on Instagram, but added he is currently limited to singing only three songs consecutively.
The postponed concerts, originally slated to run from late February to mid-March, include multiple dates across the United States. Manilow expressed hope to resume performances in Las Vegas by the end of March and to continue his tour in April. These dates had previously been rescheduled from January due to his initial health concerns.
Prior to his diagnosis, Manilow had described the tour as potentially his “last concerts.” The singer underwent surgery to treat the cancer, and initially did not require chemotherapy or radiation, stating he was relying on “chicken soup and reruns of ‘I Love Lucy’” for recovery, according to a post on Instagram.
The Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning artist first shared his diagnosis publicly on December 22, following the completion of his charity Christmas concert series in Palm Desert, California. He had previously battled bronchitis for six weeks before the cancer was detected.
