Barry Manilow’s Early Lung Cancer Diagnosis Marks a Lucky Break

Barry Manilow, a staple in pop music, has recently stepped back from touring due to health concerns that led to the cancellation of several shows, just ahead of a much-anticipated performance. The 79-year-old artist shared the news in a heartfelt message to his fans, discussing the uphill battle he’s facing after a significant health scare.

In his statement, Manilow revealed the challenging conversation he had with his doctor about his condition.

He had undergone surgery to address cancerous spots on his lungs and mentioned that his early diagnosis was largely a stroke of luck. Manilow remarked, “I just got home from a visit with the surgeon, and it was a very depressing visit.” Despite sticking to a daily workout routine and trying to push his recovery forward by singing longer, he realized he was still not prepared for the physical demands of performing.

“I told him I’m on the treadmill three times a day, but I still can’t sing more than three songs in a row before I have to stop,” he confessed. When he inquired about attending an upcoming show, he learned the prognosis he didn’t want to hear: “He said, ‘Barry, you’re not ready to do a 90-minute show. Your lungs aren’t ready yet.’”

Even though the doctor noted that Manilow’s physical condition was impressive given his circumstances, he advised against doing any major shows at this point. This conversation left the singer feeling as if he had suspected deep down that his body wasn’t quite ready yet. Consequently, he has postponed his show from February to March 17th while focusing on his health.

Looking to the future, he is eyeing a Las Vegas residency at the end of March, and plans to resume his tour in April. He encouraged fans to hold onto their tickets, insisting, “When I come back, I’ll be back!!!”

Concluding his message, Manilow emphasized the need for time to heal, explaining, “The doctors said my body has been through hell and needs time to heal.” He signed off with, “With love and gratitude, B.”

This news follows a health scare from December when Manilow discovered he had cancerous spots after battling bronchitis for weeks. The situation caught many fans off guard, though he reassured them that it was detected early and had not spread.

“It was pure luck (and great doctors) that it was caught this early,” he stated. Thankfully, he won’t require chemotherapy or radiation—just time to recover, a bit of rest, and enjoying some light-hearted moments, as he humorously added it was “just chicken soup and reruns of ‘I Love Lucy.’”

Manilow is well-known for his famous jingles, like McDonald’s “You Deserve a Break Today,” and for his lasting hits like “Mandy” and “Copacabana.” His career firmly established him as one of the most successful pop artists of the 1970s and 1980s.