Barry Manilow reveals lung cancer, postpones concerts

American singer-songwriter Barry Manilow has revealed that he was diagnosed with lung cancer, prompting the postponement of his A Gift of Love concerts.

Manilow shared online that the diagnosis came after several weeks of battling bronchitis.

“Even though I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure everything was ok,” he said.

Manilow expressed gratitude to his doctor that the cancerous spot on his left lung was discovered early. “That’s the good news,” he added.

Due to the urgency of surgery to remove the spot, the singer announced the “bad news” regarding his Christmas concerts.

Manilow took the announcement lightly, saying his doctors do not believe the cancer has spread and that he is currently undergoing confirmation tests. No chemotherapy or radiation is needed. “Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns,” he joked.

“The only follow-up is a month to recover, and that means we have to reschedule the January arena concerts,” he explained.

The singer apologized for the changes and shared the new arena schedule:

• Tampa: 27 February – Benchmark International Arena

• Columbus: 6 March – Nationwide Arena

• Charleston: 11 March – North Charleston Coliseum

• Orlando: 13 March – Kia Center

• Sunrise: 14 March – Amerant Bank Arena

• Estero: 16 & 17 March – Hertz Arena

• Greensboro: 24 April – First Horizon Coliseum

• Jacksonville: 27 April – VyStar Veterans Memorial

• Duluth (GA): 29 April – Gas South Arena

Manilow rose to prominence in the late 1970s with hit songs such as Mandy, Looks Like We Made It, Copacabana, and Can’t Smile Without You.