Barry Manilow Postpones More Shows Amid Cancer Recovery

The singer says his "lungs aren't ready yet" to perform 90-minute concerts.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Barry Manilow announced he will have to postpone the first 13 shows of his upcoming arena tour as he continues to recover from lung cancer treatment. The 82-year-old singer said his doctor told him his "lungs aren't ready yet" to perform the full 90-minute shows, and he needs more time to heal. Manilow had previously postponed shows in February to focus on his health after undergoing treatment to remove a cancerous spot from his left lung in December.

Why it matters

Manilow's health struggles and postponed tour dates highlight the challenges faced by aging musicians as they recover from serious medical conditions. The singer's openness about his cancer treatment and recovery process also provides insight into the realities of managing a performing career while dealing with a major health issue.

The details

In his Instagram post, Manilow said he had just returned from a "very depressing visit" to his surgeon, who told him he "won't be ready to do a 90 minute show" because "your lungs aren't ready yet." The doctor said Manilow was "in great shape considering what you've been through, but your body isn't ready." Despite his intense workout regimen, Manilow said he still couldn't sing more than three songs in a row.

  • In December 2025, Manilow underwent treatment to remove a cancerous spot on his left lung.
  • In early February 2026, Manilow announced he would have to postpone his first round of shows for his upcoming arena tour.
  • On February 20, 2026, Manilow revealed he would be postponing an additional 13 shows from February 27 to March 17.

The players

Barry Manilow

An 82-year-old Grammy-winning singer who is recovering from lung cancer treatment and has had to postpone the start of his upcoming arena tour.

Manilow's Doctor

The physician who told Manilow that his "lungs aren't ready yet" to perform 90-minute concerts as part of his arena tour.

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What they’re saying

“Deep down, I wanted to go back-but my body knew what my heart didn't want to admit: I wasn't ready.”

— Barry Manilow (Instagram)

“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's Doctor (Instagram)

What’s next

Manilow's doctor told him he could "likely" still perform in Las Vegas on March 26, 27, 28, and April 2, 3, 4, despite having to postpone the first 13 arena shows.

The takeaway

Manilow's health struggles and postponed tour dates serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by aging musicians as they recover from serious medical conditions. His openness about his cancer treatment and recovery process provides valuable insight into the realities of managing a performing career while dealing with a major health issue.