Barry Manilow rescheduling concerts due to lung cancer recovery
His surgeon determined he isn't physically ready for performances
Shows from Feb. 27 through March 17 are being postponed
He can only sing three songs consecutively due to his condition
Future shows in Las Vegas and April may still happen
📖 Full Retelling
82-year-old singer-songwriter Barry Manilow announced on Friday, February 20, 2026, that he needs to reschedule several upcoming concerts as he continues to recover from lung cancer surgery, following his surgeon's assessment that his lungs aren't ready for a full 90-minute performance. In a statement posted to social media, Manilow revealed he had a 'very depressing visit' with his surgeon who explicitly told him: 'Barry, you won't be ready to do a 90 minute show. Your lungs aren't ready yet.' The 'Copacabana' hitmaker, who initially announced his lung cancer diagnosis in December, said his surgeon acknowledged he was in 'great shape considering what you've been through, but your body isn't ready' and advised against the upcoming arena shows. Manilow, who had to reschedule his January concert dates for surgery, now faces postponing his first batch of arena shows originally scheduled from February 27 through March 17, beginning in Tampa, Florida. Despite his desire to return to the stage, Manilow admitted, 'deep down, I wanted to go back—but my body knew what my heart didn't want to admit: I wasn't ready,' explaining that despite using a treadmill three times daily, he 'still couldn't sing more than three songs in a row before I had to stop.' However, there is a glimmer of hope as his surgeon indicated he might be able to perform in Las Vegas at the end of March and for the second leg of the arena shows scheduled to begin in April.
🏷️ Themes
Health Recovery, Entertainment Industry, Celebrity News
Barry Manilow ( MAN-il-oh; born Barry Alan Pincus; June 17, 1943) is an American singer and songwriter with a career spanning over sixty years. His hit recordings include "Could It Be Magic", "Looks Like We Made It", "Mandy", "I Write the Songs", "Ready to Take a Chance Again", "Can't Smile Without ...
Malignant tumor characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in lung tissue
Lung cancer, also called lung carcinoma, is a malignant tumor that originates in the tissues of the lungs. Lung cancer is caused by genetic damage to the DNA of cells in the airways, often caused by cigarette smoking or inhaling damaging chemicals. Damaged airway cells gain the ability to multiply u...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
Barry Manilow, a legendary singer, has to cancel shows due to lung cancer recovery, impacting fans and the entertainment industry. His health journey also raises awareness about early cancer detection and the challenges of performing after major surgery.
Context & Background
Manilow was diagnosed with lung cancer after a bout of bronchitis
He underwent surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his lung
Earlier in December he rescheduled January concerts for treatment
Surgeons advise he cannot perform 90 minute shows yet
Potential return to Las Vegas shows in March and April
What Happens Next
Manilow may perform in Las Vegas at the end of March and resume arena shows in April, depending on his recovery progress. Fans should monitor official announcements for updated dates and ticket changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Barry Manilow cancel his shows?
He is still recovering from lung cancer surgery and his surgeon said his lungs are not ready for a full performance.
When might he return to performing?
He could return to Las Vegas shows at the end of March and to the second leg of arena shows in April if his health improves.
How can fans find updated concert dates?
Fans should check Manilow's official website and social media for rescheduled dates and ticket information.
Original Source
Entertainment Barry Manilow cancels more concerts amid recovery after cancer surgery By Melissa Gaffney February 20, 2026 / 7:26 PM EST / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Singer-songwriter Barry Manilow announced Friday he needs to reschedule several more concerts as he continues to recover following surgery after he was diagnosed with lung cancer . In a statement posted Friday to social media, the 82-year-old said he just had a "very depressing visit" with his surgeon, who he said told him: "Barry, you won't be ready to do a 90 minute show. Your lungs aren't ready yet." Manilow said his surgeon said he was in "great shape considering what you've been through, but your body isn't ready," and told him: "You shouldn't do the first Arena shows. You won't make it through." The "Copacabana" hitmaker announced in December that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer and needed to reschedule his January concert dates in order to have surgery. His upcoming arena shows were scheduled to begin Feb. 27 in Tampa, Florida, according to his website . Manilow said Friday he has to reschedule the first batch of shows from Feb. 27 through March 17. Manilow said that "deep down, I wanted to go back—but my body knew what my heart didn't want to admit: I wasn't ready." He said that while he's been using the treadmill three times a day, he "still couldn't sing more than three songs in a row before I had to stop." "I'm SO, SO sorry I have to reschedule some of these first Arena shows. Again! But when I do come back, I will COME BACK!!!" he added. Manilow said his surgeon indicated he might be able to perform in Las Vegas at the end of March and for the second leg of the arena shows scheduled to begin in April. In December, Manilow said an MRI scan detected "a cancerous spot" on one of his lungs after he suffered a lengthy bout of bronchitis in the midst of a residency in Palm Springs, California. "It's pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early," Manilow said at the time, ad...
