Barry Manilow Reschedules Tour Dates After 'Depressing' Doctor Visit

The singer says his 'body had been through hell' and needs more time to heal from lung cancer treatment.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Barry Manilow has rescheduled several tour dates on his upcoming Last Concerts farewell tour after a "depressing visit" with his surgeon. Manilow, who announced his lung cancer diagnosis in December 2025, said his doctor told him his "lungs aren't ready yet" and he "won't be ready to do a 90 minute show." The singer had previously rescheduled tour dates after his cancer diagnosis, and now says he expects to be able to perform his Las Vegas shows in late March but will need to reschedule the earlier arena concerts.

Why it matters

Manilow's health issues and rescheduled tour dates highlight the challenges faced by aging musicians as they cope with health problems and try to maintain grueling performance schedules. His openness about his cancer diagnosis and recovery process also provides insight into the realities of performing with a serious illness.

The details

Manilow said that after a "depressing visit" with his surgeon, the doctor told him he "won't be ready to do a 90 minute show" and that his "lungs aren't ready yet" due to the toll his cancer treatment has taken on his body. As a result, Manilow is rescheduling a string of arena concerts that were set to take place between Feb. 27 and March 17. However, the doctor believes Manilow can likely still perform his shows at the Westgate in Las Vegas from March 26-28, and the singer says he still plans to perform the "second batch" of tour dates beginning on April 13.

  • Manilow announced his lung cancer diagnosis in December 2025.
  • The rescheduled arena concerts were originally set for January 2026.
  • Manilow's Las Vegas shows are scheduled for March 26-28, 2026.
  • The "second batch" of tour dates are set to begin on April 13, 2026.

The players

Barry Manilow

An 82-year-old singer-songwriter best known for hits like "Copacabana" who is currently on a farewell tour, but has had to reschedule dates due to his recent lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Manilow's Surgeon

The doctor who told Manilow that his "lungs aren't ready yet" and he "won't be ready to do a 90 minute show" due to the toll his cancer treatment has taken on his body.

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What they’re saying

“Just got home from visiting the surgeon. Very depressing visit. I told him that I have been using the treadmill three times a day (I have) but that I still couldn't sing more than three songs in a row before I had to stop. But I was sure that I would be able to do the Arena shows in a few weeks.”

— Barry Manilow (Instagram)

“He said, '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.'”

— Barry Manilow (Instagram)

What’s next

Manilow says he still plans to perform the "second batch" of tour dates beginning on April 13, 2026, after more time to recover.

The takeaway

Manilow's health struggles and rescheduled tour dates highlight the challenges faced by aging musicians as they cope with serious illnesses. His openness about his cancer diagnosis and recovery process provides insight into the realities of performing with a major health condition.