The music legend is set to perform in Liverpool next summer
Barry Manilow has been diagnosed with lung cancer(Image: Getty Images)
Barry Manilow has been flooded with support as he revealed he has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The 82-year-old singer has taken to Instagram to reveal a recent scan picked up a “cancerous” spot and he’s now preparing to undergo an operation to remove part of his lung.
The Copacabana singer has rescheduled shows in the US in January. However, he expects to be back performing on Valentine’s weekend for shows in Las Vegas and made no suggestion the health setback would impact his European tour, which comes to the M&S Bank Arena on June 13.
In the statement on social media, he said: “As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks. Even though I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK.
“The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that [it] was found so early. That’s the good news.
“The bad news is that now that the Christmas Gift Of Love concerts are over I’m going into surgery to have the spit [sic] removed.” The singer explained
However, Barry explained the doctors do not think the cancer has spread so he’s unlikely to require chemotherapy or radiation treatment following the operation.
He added: “The doctors do not believe it has spread and I’m taking tests to confirm their diagnosis. So that’s it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”
Barry will need a month to recover from the operation so he’s had to call off his planned US shows in January. He added: “The only follow-up is a month to recover and that means we will have to reschedule the January arena concerts.
“I’m very sorry that you have to change your plans.” The rescheduled gigs include stops in Orlando, Charleston, Greensboro and Columbus.
With regards to his return to the stage in Vegas, his message ended: “Something tells me February is going to be one big party … I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and remember, if you even have the slightest symptom, get tested!”
People took to the comments to share messages of support after the update. Kelly said: “Take care of yourself, Mr. Manilow! We love you!!!!”
Melissa posted: “Sending you healing vibes and good wishes for a quick recovery” Jeffrey added: “Much love and prayers, sir. You truly are a national treasure!”
Barry previously battled throat cancer following a diagnosis in 2020 but went on to make a recovery. Speaking about his upcoming show in Liverpool, Barry said: “I swear, I SWEAR I really meant it when I said goodbye to everyone in the UK on the last night of our fantastic run at the great London Palladium.
“The audiences there were fantastic as usual and that last night was very moving, knowing that I wouldn’t be seeing my U.K. friends anymore.
“It was odd flying home because I wasn’t tired, my voice had held up for the entire run and each show was more exciting than the last. I wasn’t even out of breath at the end of each show.
“But I guess “leave ‘em wanting more” was a good rule to follow. After all, I’m 100 years old and any day now I’m probably going to lose my hair, gain a big pot belly and need a cane to dance around to “Copacabana”.
“But, as of now I can still run around the stage, I can still hit the high F Natural at the end of “Even Now” and I still look fabulous!
“But I said goodbye and I meant it. We’re going to have a great, big Barry Manilow concert! “Hope you all come. We’ll have a ball! Love, Barry.”