Barry Manilow has postponed the initial dates of his 2026 arena tour following a recent assessment from his surgeon, revealing his recovery from lung cancer surgery is taking longer than anticipated. The singer shared on social media Friday that despite a rigorous rehabilitation regimen, he is not yet physically capable of performing a full-length concert.
Manilow announced in December 2025 that he would undergo surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his lung, forcing a rescheduling of his planned farewell tour kickoff in January 2026. He had previously attempted to reinstate concert dates in February, but now faces further delays. According to Manilow’s statement, his surgeon advised against performing a 90-minute show, stating, “Your lungs aren’t ready yet. You’re in great shape considering what you’ve been through, but your body isn’t ready.”
The singer expressed his internal conflict, acknowledging his desire to return to the stage but conceding that his body indicated otherwise. “Deep down,” Manilow wrote, “I wanted to go back on stage, but my body knew what my heart didn’t want to admit: I wasn’t ready.” He detailed his efforts to regain stamina, noting he could only manage three songs consecutively before needing to stop, even while using a treadmill three times daily.
The postponed shows will affect dates between February 27 and March 17. Manilow indicated that performances in Las Vegas at the “very end of March” and a subsequent set of concerts in early April remain tentatively scheduled, pending further medical evaluation. Rolling Stone reported on Manilow’s statement Friday.
“I’m SO, SO sorry I have to reschedule some of these first Arena shows. Again!” Manilow wrote. He assured fans, however, that his return is inevitable: “But when I do reach back, I will COME BACK!!!” He expressed gratitude for the ongoing support, adding that his doctor emphasized the need for continued healing after the physical toll of the surgery. “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.”