Barry Manilow has announced he is taking a break from touring, days after cancelling two of his Las Vegas residency dates. The 83-year-old made the announcement on Instagram, telling fans: "Hi everybody - Barry here. And I want you to be the first to know that we’re going to take a quick break."
Summer tour 'pushing a little too hard'
The Mandy singer said the decision followed a demanding run of concerts. "We just finished a fantastic summer tour," he wrote. "29 shows in 68 days. The shows were fantastic. The audiences were fantastic. And I sounded fantastic. But it seems that we were pushing a little too hard."
Manilow added: "Now we all need to sit down and shut up. So, we’re going to take a break until we return to the Westgate Las Vegas on October 8th. When I’ll be singing like a bird. I hope to see you then."
Cancelled shows and postponed concert
The announcement came after he cancelled performances on Friday August 21 and Saturday August 22 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. "We’re very sorry but we have to cancel tonight’s and tomorrow’s performances. Due to technical and vocal problems, we’re unable to put on our show," a statement from Manilow said.
He also postponed a concert in Lexington hours before it was due to start on Tuesday 4 August due to 'unforeseen circumstances.'
Recovery from lung cancer
The singer was diagnosed with stage-one non-small cell lung cancer in late 2025 after an MRI for prolonged bronchitis revealed a tumour on his left lung. He underwent successful surgery to remove a lobe of the lung, did not require chemotherapy or radiation, and has since recovered and returned to music.
Following his left lung lobectomy, Manilow developed pneumonia and spent seven days in the intensive care unit. He described this period as 'terrifying,' admitting he genuinely thought it might be the end.
During a June interview with ABC News' Chris Connelly, Manilow recalled his first post-surgery sound check where he didn't sound like himself at all. He recalled looking at his band members, who were staring at the floor in silence, and thinking, "I just couldn't believe that it's over."
