Barry Manilow, the celebrated singer and songwriter, has announced the postponement of upcoming shows, citing his ongoing recovery from lung cancer surgery. The decision, described by Manilow as "depressing," means his scheduled performances from February 27 to March 17 will not proceed as planned. This follows an earlier postponement of dates in his Las Vegas residency.
Health Setback Impacts Tour Plans
Manilow, 82, revealed in late December that doctors discovered a cancerous spot on his left lung. The spot was surgically removed, and at the time, his team stated he would require neither chemotherapy nor a lengthy recovery. However, his current condition prevents him from undertaking the demands of a full concert.
A recent visit with his surgeon has led to the updated postponement of initial arena shows.
Doctors have advised Manilow that he is not yet ready to perform a 90-minute set.
Despite daily efforts, including using a treadmill multiple times a day, his body is reportedly not prepared for the physical exertion of performing.
"You shouldn’t do the first Arena shows." - Barry Manilow, referencing his doctor's advice.
Timeline of Events and Medical Background
The current postponements stem from a medical issue first identified in late December. Following two prolonged bouts of bronchitis, Manilow underwent an MRI that revealed a cancerous spot on his lung.
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December: Manilow's lung cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery to remove a spot from his left lung. Initial reports suggested a swift recovery was possible.
Late December/Early January: Manilow's initial Las Vegas residency dates were rescheduled.
February: Further postponement of arena tour dates due to surgeon's assessment of his recovery status.
"Barry, you won’t be ready to do a 90-minute show." - Barry Manilow, relaying his surgeon's assessment.
Medical Advice and Performance Capability
The core of the current decision lies in medical guidance regarding Manilow's physical readiness to perform.
Physician's Assessment: Doctors have concluded that Manilow cannot sustain a 90-minute performance.
Singing Capacity: Manilow has stated he can currently only sing "three songs in a row" before needing to stop.
Rehabilitation Efforts: He has been actively engaged in a recovery regimen, including exercising on a treadmill three times daily.
Patient and Public Communication
Manilow has communicated his situation directly to his fans via social media, primarily on Instagram.
Statement on Social Media: Manilow shared his doctor's advice and apologized for the cancellations.
Fan Reaction: Public response has included messages of support and well wishes for his recovery.
Future Performance Projections
Despite the current setbacks, there is a projected timeline for Manilow's return to the stage, contingent on his recovery.
Las Vegas Shows: Manilow's surgeon suggested he might be able to perform in Las Vegas by the end of March.
Arena Shows: A second series of arena performances is tentatively slated to begin in April.
Long-Term Schedule: Further Las Vegas shows are scheduled from July through December.
"We’ll still be here for you!’ ‘Supporting you & loving you always, Barry!" - Fan messages shared online.
Evidence
| Source | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Mirror: Barry Manilow forced to cancel shows after lung cancer horror | Manilow, 82, cancelled more shows; had cancerous spot on lung, needed surgery; postponed Vegas dates. |
| Express: Barry Manilow forced to cancel shows after 'very depressing' lung cancer update | Doctors confirmed "very depressing" update; Manilow won't be ready for 90-minute show; weeks after postponing Vegas residency dates. |
| Metro: Barry Manilow, 82, cancels shows and shares 'depressing' health update | Advised to postpone February concerts; doctor's conversation shared on Instagram; "very depressing visit" to surgeon; advised he "shouldn't do the first Arena shows." |
| Variety: Barry Manilow Reveals ‘Very Depressing’ Surgeon’s Orders to Postpone More Shows, Extend Recovery Time | Doctor stated, "Barry, you won’t be ready to do a 90-minute show"; expected Vegas shows late March, arena shows April; good news then was no chemo/long recovery. |
| HELLO!: Barry Manilow shares 'very depressing' health update as he's forced to cancel more shows | Discovered cancerous spot on left lung in late December, surgically removed; still can't "sing more than three songs in a row"; doctor advised "body isn't ready" for 90-minute set; detected after MRI post-bronchitis; shows Feb 27-Mar 17 rescheduled. |
| People: Barry Manilow Admits His 'Lungs Aren't Ready Yet' as He Postpones More Shows amid Cancer Recovery | Rescheduled all shows planned Feb 12-Mar 17; working out on treadmill three times a day; doctor's advice: "You shouldn't do the first Arena shows." |
| Entertainment Now: Barry Manilow’s Fans Send Prayers After His Latest Health Update | Shared update Feb 20; "Just got back from visiting the surgeon, very depressing visit"; rescheduled Vegas performances Feb 12-21. |
| Liverpool Echo: Barry Manilow cancels more shows as he issues 'depressing' update | "You shouldn't do the first Arena shows"; diagnosed with lung cancer last year, surgery to remove part of lung; update after meeting surgeon. |
| HOT: HEALTH UPDATE Barry Manilow, 82, shares fresh heartache over health as he’s forced to cancel tour dates | Diagnosed with lung cancer, surgery to remove part of lung; could not sing more than three songs in a row; January arena concerts rescheduled. |
| CBS News: Barry Manilow cancels more concerts amid recovery after cancer surgery | Needs to reschedule more concerts; surgeon indicated possibility of performing Vegas end of March, arena shows April; scheduled arena shows began Feb 27 in Tampa. |
| E! Online: Barry Manilow Cancels Tour Dates After "Depressing" Doctor's Visit Amid Lung Cancer Battle | Putting health first; underwent successful treatment for cancer. |
| TMZ: Barry Manilow Reschedules Concerts Amid Rehab From Lung Cancer Surgery | Doctor advising to reschedule first arena shows; underwent surgery "a little over a month ago"; treadmill three times a day; hoping to perform Vegas end of March, East Coast arena shows April; rescheduling shows Feb 12-March 17. |
| The News: Barry Manilow gives insight into 'very depressing' doctor visit as he postpones 2026 arena tour | "You shouldn't do the first Arena shows."; working out on treadmill three times a day; underwent surgery in December to remove cancerous spot; doctor stated, "You're in great shape… but your body isn't ready."; found after MRI post-bronchitis. |
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Barry Manilow's decision to postpone additional shows underscores the significant impact his recovery from lung cancer surgery is having on his performance schedule. The medical advice indicating he is not yet ready for demanding 90-minute performances is the primary driver. While Manilow is actively engaged in rehabilitation and has expressed his eagerness to return to the stage, his physical condition is dictating the pace. The projected timelines for performances in late March and April in Las Vegas and then on the East Coast, respectively, remain contingent upon his ongoing recovery and further medical clearance.
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Sources Used
Mirror: https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/breaking-barry-manilow-forced-cancel-36758370
Express: https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/2173719/barry-manilow-shows-cancelled-health
Metro: https://www.metro.co.uk/2026/02/21/barry-manilow-82-cancels-shows-shares-depressing-health-update-cancer-surgery-27030956/
Variety: https://www.variety.com/2026/music/news/barry-manilow-postpones-depressing-surgeon-orders-recovery-1236669024/
HELLO!: https://www.hellomagazine.com/us/885233/barry-manilow-depressing-health-update-cancel-more-shows-amid-cancer-recovery/
People: https://people.com/barry-manilow-admits-lungs-arent-ready-yet-amid-cancer-recovery-11911263
Entertainment Now: https://entertainmentnow.com/music/barry-manilow-health-update-cancer-cancel-shows/
Liverpool Echo: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/showbiz-news/barry-manilow-cancels-more-shows-33465272
HOT: https://hot.newsonline.biz/health-update-barry-manilow-82-shares-fresh-heartache-over-health-as-hes-forced-to-cancel-tour-dates-for-a-second-time-70161.html
CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/barry-manilow-cancels-more-concerts-cancer-surgery/
E! Online: https://www.eonline.com/news/1428807/barry-manilow-cancels-tour-dates-amid-lung-cancer-diagnosis
TMZ: https://www.tmz.com/2026/02/20/barry-manilow-postpones-shows-while-recovering-cancer-surgery/
The News: https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1393102-barry-manilow-gives-insight-into-very-depressing-doctor-visit-as-he-postpones-2026-arena-tour-due-to-cancer
