Pop music legend Barry Manilow announced that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will undergo surgery to remove a cancerous spot from his left lung, forcing the 82-year-old entertainer to reschedule his upcoming January 2025 concert dates.
The singer-songwriter revealed the diagnosis on Instagram after doctors discovered the cancerous spot during an MRI scan. The test was ordered following an extended battle with bronchitis that lasted six weeks, followed by a five-week relapse. Despite recovering from the respiratory illness and returning to perform at Westgate Las Vegas, his doctor requested the additional screening as a precaution.
The performer shared optimistic news about his prognosis. Doctors believe the cancer has not spread, and he is currently undergoing additional tests to confirm their diagnosis. The medical team’s assessment means Manilow will not require chemotherapy or radiation treatment following the surgical procedure.
The surgery and subsequent recovery period will require approximately one month, leading to the rescheduling of Manilow’s January arena concerts. The postponed performances include January arena dates in cities such as Sunrise, Tampa, Columbus, and Orlando, which have been moved to late February through April.
Manilow finished his Christmas shows at the Westgate before the diagnosis became public. He also completed five charity concerts in Palm Desert, California, demonstrating his commitment to his performance schedule despite the underlying health concerns that would soon come to light.
The entertainer expressed his disappointment about disrupting his fans’ plans. He assured supporters that he is counting down the days until his return to the Westgate Las Vegas for Valentine’s weekend concerts on February 12, 13, and 14. The International Theater at the resort has been Manilow’s performance venue since 2021, when he began his residency at the property.
Manilow’s relationship with the Westgate has become a defining chapter in his storied career. He signed a lifetime contract with the resort in 2024, cementing his status as one of Las Vegas’s most enduring headliners. His achievement at the venue reached historic proportions when he broke Elvis Presley’s longstanding record with 636 performances at the International Theater in September 2023, establishing a new benchmark for residency longevity at the legendary entertainment space.
Westgate representative Cami Christensen responded to the news by expressing support for the resort’s star performer. Dennis Blair will also need to adjust his schedule to accommodate the new performance calendar.
The diagnosis comes as Manilow continues to maintain an active touring and residency schedule well into his eighties. His recent performances have included both his regular Westgate Las Vegas engagements and special holiday-themed shows, demonstrating his enduring appeal to audiences across multiple generations. The Valentine’s weekend performances in February are expected to mark his return to the stage after surgery and the recovery period.
Manilow concluded his announcement by urging fans to prioritize their health and seek medical attention for concerning symptoms. He encouraged people to pursue testing even for seemingly minor health issues, crediting his own early diagnosis to his doctor’s thoroughness in ordering the MRI scan despite his apparent recovery from bronchitis.
Fans holding tickets for the postponed January shows have been assured they can use their existing tickets for the rescheduled dates in late winter and early spring. The adjustment affects multiple cities across the United States, requiring coordination among various venues and their respective schedules to accommodate the changes necessitated by Manilow’s medical situation.
