Music icon Barry Manilow has been forced to cancel a series of upcoming concerts after receiving what he described as a 'very depressing' health update from his medical team. The veteran performer, who had been preparing for his 'Once Before I Go' tour, shared the devastating news with fans via social media.
Doctors Deliver Sobering Assessment
In an emotional Instagram post, Manilow revealed that despite rigorous daily treadmill sessions, he remains unable to sing more than three consecutive songs without needing to stop. When he expressed confidence about performing arena shows scheduled to begin in late February, his surgeon delivered a sobering assessment.
'He looked at me and then he looked at the floor,' Manilow recounted. 'What?' I said. He said, 'Barry, you won't be ready to do a 90 minute show. Your lungs aren't ready yet.'
Tour Dates Rescheduled
The medical advice has forced the postponement of arena shows originally planned from February 27th through March 17th. However, doctors indicated that Manilow may be ready for Las Vegas performances at the end of March and the second batch of arena shows beginning in April.
'I'm SO, SO sorry I have to reschedule some of these first Arena shows. Again!' Manilow wrote in his message to fans. 'But when I do come back, I will COME BACK!!!'
Focus on Recovery
The singer acknowledged that while he had hoped to return to the stage, his body wasn't cooperating with his ambitions. 'Deep down, I wanted to go back—but my body knew what my heart didn't want to admit: I wasn't ready,' he confessed.
Manilow expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and emphasized his commitment to recovery. 'The doctor said that my body had been through hell and that it needed time to heal. So, I'm going back to healing,' he concluded.
