Barry Manilow Postpones Arena Dates Amid Cancer Recovery: 'My Body Wasn't Ready'
Barry Manilow is extending his recovery period following cancer surgery, postponing the first leg of his 2026 arena tour. The singer shared a personal update with fans, detailing his doctor's advice and his own feelings about returning to the sta...
Barry Manilow is taking more time off to recover from his recent cancer surgery.
The 82-year-old Grammy winner announced on social media Friday (Feb. 20) that he's rescheduling more concerts as he heals from a mid-January operation related to stage one lung cancer diagnosed late last year.
Following what he described as a “very depressing visit” with his surgeon, Manilow is postponing the first batch of 2026 arena dates originally scheduled from Feb. 27 through March 17.
“I was sure that I would be able to do the Arena shows in a few weeks,” the singer wrote on Instagram. But his doctor “shook his head” and told 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 admitted that he had “a feeling” the surgeon would respond that way. “Deep down, I wanted to go back — but my body knew what my heart didn’t want to admit: I wasn’t ready,” the artist wrote.
Although Manilow is rescheduling his first 13 arena shows, his doctor said it was 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 wrote.
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 additional comment and information about the rescheduled dates.
See Manilow’s post on Instagram below.
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