Barry Manilow Delays Upcoming Shows After Difficult Doctor’s Visit Post-Cancer Surgery
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Barry Manilow is taking more time off to recuperate following cancer surgery.
On February 20, the 82-year-old Grammy-winning singer announced on social media that he is rescheduling several concerts while he continues to heal from a mid-January operation for stage one lung cancer, which was diagnosed late last year.
After what he referred to as a “very depressing visit” with his surgeon, Manilow has postponed his first set of 2026 arena shows that were originally scheduled from February 27 to March 17.
“I was sure that I would be able to do the Arena shows in a few weeks,” he stated on Instagram. However, his doctor informed him, “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.”
Manilow acknowledged that he anticipated the surgeon’s response. “Deep down, I wanted to go back — but my body knew what my heart didn’t want to admit: I wasn’t ready,” he wrote.
While he has rescheduled his first 13 arena shows, his doctor indicated that it is still “likely” he could perform in Las Vegas on March 26–28 and April 2–4.
“I’m SO, SO sorry I have to reschedule some of these first Arena shows. Again!” Manilow expressed.
At press time, Manilow’s website still listed sold-out U.S. concert dates for mid- through late April.
Billboard has reached out to Manilow’s representatives for further comments and information regarding the rescheduled dates.
See Manilow’s post on Instagram below.
