Lead: Barry Manilow, 82, announced on Feb. 20, 2026 that he must reschedule a block of arena shows as he continues to recover from surgery after an early-stage lung cancer diagnosis. The singer said his surgeon advised that his lungs are not yet ready for a full 90‑minute set, prompting postponements of performances originally set to begin Feb. 27 in Tampa. Manilow said he has been rehabilitating with daily treadmill work but cannot sustain multiple consecutive songs. He indicated a possible limited return in Las Vegas at the end of March and a fuller second leg of arena shows starting in April.
Key Takeaways
- Barry Manilow, age 82, announced new rescheduled dates covering Feb. 27 through March 17 after lung cancer surgery.
- Manilow said his surgeon warned he would not be able to complete a 90‑minute show because his lungs are not yet ready.
- He reported being able to sing only about three songs in a row during rehabilitation despite using a treadmill three times daily.
- The arena run was due to begin Feb. 27 in Tampa; those first shows are being postponed, per the artist’s statement and his website.
- Manilow remains optimistic about performing in Las Vegas at the end of March and resuming a second leg of arena dates in April, though those plans are conditional.
- He credited early detection by MRI and prompt surgery after a prolonged bronchitis episode during his Palm Springs residency.
Background
In December 2025 Manilow disclosed that an MRI scan had identified a cancerous spot on one lung following an extended bout of bronchitis while he was performing a residency in Palm Springs, California. He said the lesion was found early and that he underwent surgery to remove it. The singer subsequently postponed January concert dates to allow for the operation and recovery. Manilow has a decades‑long touring career, and his arena appearances attracted large, multi‑generational audiences, which increased attention when he announced the diagnosis.
Vocalists recovering from thoracic surgery commonly face specific respiratory and stamina challenges, and physicians generally recommend graded return-to-voice protocols. For established performers, that guidance must be weighed against contractual schedules, production logistics and ticket-holder expectations. Promoters and venues typically work with management and medical teams to decide whether to postpone, relocate or issue refunds for affected shows.
Main Event
On Feb. 20, 2026 Manilow posted a statement to social media saying he had a “very depressing visit” with his surgeon, who cautioned that a full-length arena show would exceed his current physical capacity. According to Manilow, the surgeon told him his overall condition was good given the recent surgery, but that his lungs had not yet recovered enough for a 90‑minute performance. The singer said this medical advice led him to reschedule the first set of arena dates that were due to run from Feb. 27 through March 17.
Manilow described practicing on a treadmill three times a day as part of his rehabilitation, yet still encountering limits: he said he could not sing more than three songs consecutively without stopping. He apologized to fans in his statement and reiterated his intent to return when medically cleared, writing that when he does come back, he will “COME BACK.” Management posted updated tour status information on the artist’s official website and indicated ticketing details would follow for postponed dates.
The artist also said his surgical team suggested he might be able to perform in Las Vegas late in March and that the planned second leg of arena shows could proceed beginning in April if his recovery progresses. Organizers have typically kept contingency plans—such as alternate dates, refunds or exchanges—available in similar circumstances, and fans were advised to await formal announcements from ticketing outlets and the tour’s official channels.
Analysis & Implications
For a touring performer in his 80s, respiratory recovery after lung surgery is critical and often unpredictable; stamina and breath control are central to live vocal performance. Manilow’s decision to follow his surgeon’s counsel aligns with clinical guidance prioritizing pulmonary healing over an expedited return to heavy vocal work. That medical-first approach reduces the risk of setbacks that could require further interventions or longer absence from the stage.
Commercially, postponing an early run of highly produced arena shows has ripple effects: venues, promoters, crew, supporting acts and local economies face schedule adjustments and potential revenue shifts. Insurers and contracts often address force-majeure and health-related postponements, but negotiations about make-good dates and cost allocation can be complex and time-consuming for large-scale tours.
Artistically, a phased comeback—shorter, staged performances such as a limited Las Vegas engagement—can function as a practical test of endurance while allowing fans to reconnect. If successful, a measured return may preserve vocal health and sustain ticket demand. International or later-dated legs of a tour may remain subject to change depending on recovery speed and medical clearance.
Comparison & Data
| Item | Original Plan | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| First arena block | Feb. 27–Mar. 17 (begin Tampa) | Postponed |
| Potential limited return | — | Possible Las Vegas, end of March (conditional) |
| Second arena leg | April start | Planned but conditional on recovery |
This simple schedule comparison shows that the immediate impact is concentrated on the first block of arena shows; later dates are being monitored rather than canceled outright. The table does not list specific rescheduled dates, which will be set in coordination with venues when medical clearance and logistics permit.
Reactions & Quotes
“Barry, you won’t be ready to do a 90 minute show. Your lungs aren’t ready yet.”
Surgeon (as quoted by Barry Manilow)
Manilow reported the surgeon’s warning as the key medical assessment that led to postponing early arena dates. The quote frames the decision as medically driven rather than voluntary pacing.
“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!!!”
Barry Manilow
In his public message, Manilow expressed regret to fans and optimism about future performances; his apology emphasizes the emotional and contractual burden artists feel when altering tour schedules. Promoters typically relay such artist statements to ticket-holders and local partners to manage expectations.
Unconfirmed
- Exact dates for rescheduled shows have not been published; specific makeup dates for Feb. 27–Mar. 17 remain pending announcement.
- Whether a Las Vegas engagement at the end of March will proceed depends on medical clearance and has not been formally confirmed by the tour’s promoters.
Bottom Line
Barry Manilow’s postponement of the first block of arena shows is a medically driven, precautionary step following lung surgery for an early-stage cancerous lesion detected in December 2025. The decision underscores the primacy of health in planning live performances, particularly for veteran artists whose work demands sustained breath control.
Fans and industry partners should expect formal rescheduling notices and ticketing guidance from the tour’s official channels; possible limited performances in late March and the planned April leg remain conditional. The coming weeks will clarify the recovery timeline and determine when a full return to arena touring is feasible.
Sources
- CBS News (U.S. news organization; original reporting)
- BarryManilow.com (official artist website; tour and statement postings)