AceShowbiz - Barry Manilow had anticipated returning to touring in about a week, but recent medical advice has forced a significant delay in his schedule. The singer revealed on multiple platforms that he must postpone nearly three weeks of concerts as he continues to recover from lung surgery related to cancer treatment.

Initially set to resume his arena tour in mid-February, Manilow shared the news he found “very depressing,” explaining that his recovery process is taking longer than he had hoped. Despite his strong desire to get back on stage, his surgeon has advised him that his lungs are not yet ready to sustain the demands of a full 90-minute performance.

“Deep down, I wanted to go back - but my body knew what my heart didn't want to admit: I wasn't ready,” he expressed. According to his doctor, Manilow’s body has been through a severe ordeal and requires additional time to heal properly before resuming the rigorous pace of touring.

As a result, the singer is postponing all shows originally scheduled between February 27 and March 17. His medical team believes he will likely be in better shape to restart performances at the end of March and into early April.

The lung issue came to light in December after Manilow underwent an MRI while recovering from bronchitis. The scan revealed a cancerous spot on his lung that necessitated surgery. At the time, he assured fans that chemotherapy would not be required and that the recovery period would be manageable.

He managed to perform a string of Christmas concerts but postponed his January appearances to undergo the operation. He had planned to be back for shows in Las Vegas during Valentine’s week at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, but the latest update has extended that timeline.

In a detailed statement, Manilow shared the conversation with his surgeon following a recent checkup. He noted how, despite his efforts—such as using a treadmill three times daily—he was still unable to sing more than three songs consecutively without stopping.

“He looked at me and then he looked at the floor,” Manilow recalled. “I asked, ‘What?’ He said, ‘Barry, you won't be ready to do a 90-minute show. Your lungs aren't ready yet. You're in great shape considering what you've been through, but your body isn't ready. You shouldn't do the first Arena shows. You won't make it through.’”

The singer acknowledged that he had suspected this outcome but struggled with accepting it emotionally. He deeply regrets having to reschedule the early arena dates but emphasized his commitment to returning stronger.

“I'm SO, SO sorry I have to reschedule some of these first Arena shows. Again! But when I do come back, I will COME BACK!!!” he assured fans, thanking them for their ongoing support through calls and messages.

Looking ahead, the postponed dates include concerts in Tampa, Charlotte, Norfolk, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Columbus, Nashville, Lexington, Charleston, Orlando, as well as Sunrise and Estero in Florida.

Remaining on the schedule are shows in Las Vegas from March 26 through April 4, and again from May 7 through 16. Additionally, he is slated to perform on the East Coast with appearances at Belmont Park’s UBS Arena in New York on April 13 and at Newark’s Prudential Center the following evening. His tour then continues with further Las Vegas dates stretching from July to nearly the end of the year.

Back in December, Manilow had described the discovery of the cancerous spot after enduring an extended bout of bronchitis—six weeks initially and a five-week relapse. While the diagnosis was serious, he reassured fans there would be no chemotherapy and anticipated a relatively straightforward recovery.

Despite these setbacks, Manilow remains optimistic and is focused on healing fully before returning to the stage. His message to supporters highlights the physical toll of his treatment and the importance of allowing his body the time it needs to recuperate.

“The doctor said that my body had been through hell and that it needed time to heal. So, I'm going back to healing. All my love and gratitude,” he concluded.

Fans and concertgoers can expect Manilow to resume touring with renewed energy toward the end of March and into April, as long as his recovery continues on track.