Farewell Tour in Jeopardy? The Real Reason Barry Manilow is Rescheduling His Final Shows.

Introduction

Barry Manilow Pauses Farewell Tour Following Early-Stage Lung Cancer Discovery: “It Was Pure Luck”

Music legend Barry Manilow has announced a temporary hiatus from his highly anticipated “The Last Concerts” tour following a sobering health discovery. On Monday, December 22, 2025, the 82-year-old “Mandy” singer shared a candid statement with fans, revealing that doctors had identified a “cancerous spot” on his left lung, necessitating immediate medical intervention and the rescheduling of several upcoming performances.

A Fortuitous Discovery

The diagnosis came on the heels of a challenging health period for the icon. Manilow detailed a grueling eleven-week struggle with illness, including a six-week bout of bronchitis followed by a five-week relapse. While he had successfully returned to the stage at the Westgate Las Vegas after recovering from the infection, his physician ordered an MRI as a precautionary measure to ensure a clean bill of health.

It was during this routine scan that the Stage 1 tumor was detected. “The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed,” Manilow explained in his Facebook statement. “It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early. That’s the good news.”

Despite the “bad news” of requiring surgery, the singer remains remarkably optimistic. He informed fans that the cancer does not appear to have spread, and his recovery plan notably excludes aggressive treatments. “No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns,” he joked, maintaining the signature wit that has endeared him to millions over his five-decade career.

Impact on the Farewell Tour

The timing of the surgery has forced a shift in Manilow’s “The Last Concerts” schedule, which was slated to hit nine major markets in January 2026. The singer expressed deep regret over the disruption, writing, “I’m very sorry that you have to change your plans.”

However, the “Copacabana” star is already looking toward the future. He is “counting the days” until his planned return to the Westgate Las Vegas for Valentine’s Day weekend, promising that the February shows will be “one big party.”

Resilience of a Legend

In recent reflections on his career, Manilow has often spoken about his vitality. Speaking with Billboard earlier this year, he mused on being one of the few remaining active performers from his era, alongside peers like Billy Joel and Diana Ross. He remains steadfast in his commitment to the stage, famously stating that he will only “throw in the towel” the night he can no longer hit the F natural in his classic hit “Even Now.”

For now, the focus is on a full recovery. Fans across the globe have flooded social media with support, echoing the sentiment that the world isn’t ready for this showman to take his final bow just yet.

Rescheduled 2026 Tour Dates

The following arena shows have been moved to accommodate Manilow’s recovery:

• Tampa, FL: Feb. 27 – Benchmark International Arena

• Columbus, OH: March 6 – Nationwide Arena

• Charleston, SC: March 11 – North Charleston Coliseum

• Orlando, FL: March 13 – Kia Center

• Sunrise, FL: March 14 – Amerant Bank Arena

• Greensboro, NC: April 24 – First Horizon Coliseum

• Jacksonville, FL: April 27 – VyStar Veterans Memorial