Barry Manilow has revealed that he may never sing again after complications following lung cancer surgery left him struggling with his voice, casting doubt over his planned return to the stage later this month.<\/p>\n
by Paul Cashmere<\/p>\n
Barry Manilow has opened up about the possibility that his performing career may be coming to an end, revealing in a candid interview with Good Morning America that he is still unsure whether his singing voice will recover following lung cancer surgery and a difficult post-operative health battle.<\/p>\n
The 82-year-old singer, songwriter and entertainer said the condition of his voice remains uncertain just weeks before he is due to return to live performances. Speaking from his home studio in Palm Springs, California, Manilow admitted that a recent soundcheck raised serious concerns about whether he can continue performing at the level audiences have come to expect after more than five decades on stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy voice, I don\u2019t know whether it\u2019s coming back,\u201d Manilow said. \u201cI did my first soundcheck about a month ago and I didn\u2019t sound like me at all. I just couldn\u2019t believe that it\u2019s over.\u201d<\/p>\n
The comments come six months after surgery to remove cancer from his lung. While the operation was successful, the recovery process proved far more challenging than anticipated.<\/p>\n
For fans, the uncertainty is significant. Manilow remains one of the most successful adult contemporary artists of all time, with a catalogue that has generated enduring radio staples and sustained touring success well into his eighties. His upcoming performances in Las Vegas and across the United States were expected to mark another chapter in a career that has consistently defied age and industry expectations.<\/p>\n
During the interview, Manilow described the emotional impact of potentially losing the instrument that has defined his professional life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is really upsetting because I don\u2019t want to stop,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He recalled the moment he first realised something was wrong during rehearsals.<\/p>\n
\u201cI looked at my band and they were all looking at the floor. That was the first hint. Something was not right.\u201d<\/p>\n
Manilow acknowledged that he had rarely considered the fragility of his voice during his long career.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always taken my voice for granted,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t take it seriously. Now I do because it doesn\u2019t seem to be there the way it always was.\u201d<\/p>\n
The singer first learned of the cancer diagnosis after an MRI examination in November. Doctors discovered a suspicious spot on his lung and recommended immediate surgery.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey checked my lungs and they found the dot, the spot, that thing that you don\u2019t want to ever have,\u201d Manilow said. \u201cThey said I had lung cancer and we have to get it out.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Manilow, the seriousness of the diagnosis did not fully register at first.<\/p>\n
\u201cI paid no attention to it. It was just too heavy for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Doctors ultimately determined that chemotherapy and radiation treatment would not be required following the removal of part of his left lung. However, complications arose when he developed pneumonia and was admitted to intensive care.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was in ICU for seven days. It was terrifying,\u201d he said. \u201cThere was a couple of moments there that I thought, this may be goodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n
Manilow reserved special praise for the medical staff who cared for him during the
ordeal.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese people at this hospital, they were just angels, saints,\u201d he said. \u201cI could cry so hard every time I think about these nurses and doctors.\u201d<\/p>\n
The health crisis prompted a period of reflection for the performer, who turns 83 this month. He said the experience led him to consider the broader impact of his life and career.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave I done everything I wanted to do? Have I been good to people? Have I made people feel good? That\u2019s all I ever wanted to do with my music.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also said he was deeply moved by the outpouring of support from fans around the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe thing that shocked me was all the people around the world being concerned about me. It was note after note after note about, \u2018We\u2019re praying for you\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
Manilow\u2019s career includes classic hits such as Mandy, I Write The Songs, Copacabana (At The Copa) and Can\u2019t Smile Without You. He has scored 13 Adult Contemporary chart-toppers and remains one of the format\u2019s defining artists.<\/p>\n
In a reminder of his enduring commercial appeal, Manilow recently returned to the Adult Contemporary chart with Once Before I Go, a track from his new album What A Time. The achievement surprised even the veteran performer.<\/p>\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t had a Top 10 single since Washington crossed the Delaware,\u201d he joked.<\/p>\n
For now, Manilow remains hopeful that he can return to the stage. His new album arrives this week and a run of live dates is scheduled to begin on June 25, including performances in Las Vegas before further US shows commence in August.<\/p>\n
Whether those concerts ultimately proceed as planned may depend on the recovery of a voice that has soundtracked generations of listeners.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t wait to get back,\u201d Manilow said. \u201cI\u2019m in great shape. I\u2019m ready to go. I just hope my voice is. If I sound good, that would be great.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that the emotional weight of the experience may be difficult to contain when he eventually steps back onto a stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really don\u2019t want to cry on stage, but I don\u2019t know whether I\u2019ll be able to hold that back this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Watch the Good Morning America interview with Barry Manilow:<\/p>\n
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