Barry Manilow Postpones Las Vegas Shows After Surgery

Barry Manilow, the enduring icon whose career has spanned more than seven decades, is pressing pause on his much-anticipated Las Vegas residency at Westgate’s International Theater. The decision, announced on February 4, 2026, comes under his doctor’s guidance as the 82-year-old singer continues to recover from recent lung cancer surgery. Fans who had circled February 12 through 21 on their calendars for a chance to see the “Mandy” and “Copacabana” hitmaker will now have to wait a little longer, as the shows are officially postponed.

Manilow’s announcement, delivered with his trademark warmth, was both reassuring and candid. “I’m doing great and recovering very well after my surgery,” he shared in a statement posted to Instagram, echoed across outlets from Pollstar to People. “I’ve been getting exercise and spending some time in the studio, which has been fantastic.” Yet, as he explained, “With my doctor’s guidance and recommendation, however, we have decided to postpone my residency dates at Westgate Las Vegas from February 12-21 so I can stay focused on healing and getting ready for the tour that’s kicking off at the end of February.” He added with a bit of levity, “Having a few extra weeks to rest and prepare is what the doctor ordered!”

The postponement follows a whirlwind few months for Manilow. In December 2025, he revealed that doctors had found a cancerous spot on his left lung during testing prompted by a resurgence of bronchitis. “It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early. That’s the good news,” Manilow told fans, as reported by People. The not-so-good news, of course, was the need to reschedule shows and undergo surgery. But Manilow’s characteristic optimism shone through: “No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”

His doctors, confident the cancer hadn’t spread, advised against chemotherapy or radiation, focusing instead on a steady recovery. The surgery, performed at the end of 2025, was successful, and Manilow has since been taking things one day at a time. He’s been exercising, spending time in the studio, and—true to his roots—keeping his spirits high with plenty of music and laughter.

For ticket holders, there’s some consolation: all tickets for the postponed Las Vegas residency dates will be fully refunded at the point of purchase, as confirmed by Pollstar. And for those worried they might miss their chance, Manilow will return to the Westgate stage for three nights, March 26-28, 2026. The upcoming arena tour, meanwhile, is still on track to begin February 27 at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.

This tour is no ordinary run of concerts. Billed as his farewell tour, it’s a cross-country celebration of a career that’s seen Manilow sell more than 85 million records worldwide, notch 13 No. 1 singles, and rack up awards including a Tony, two Emmys, and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The tour will wind through major cities—Charlotte, Norfolk, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Nashville, and more—culminating in Duluth, Georgia, on April 29, 2026.

But Manilow’s focus isn’t just on the music. Each arena show will spotlight local music educators through the Manilow Music Teacher Award, a program of the Manilow Music Project. As detailed by Pollstar, the award honors teachers who inspire and instill passion in their students. Nominees will be announced January 22, with voting opening the same day. The teacher with the most online votes will be celebrated onstage, receiving $5,000 in cash and $5,000 in “Manilow Bucks” for classroom instruments—a testament to Manilow’s lifelong commitment to music education.

In the midst of all this, Manilow has managed to notch yet another achievement: his new single, “Once Before I Go,” debuted on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart this February, marking more than half a century since his first appearance with “Mandy” in 1974. It’s a fitting milestone for a man who’s not only survived but thrived in an industry notorious for its short memory. “It’s like, ‘What? Am I the only one left?’” Manilow quipped to Billboard last June, reflecting on the dwindling ranks of his musical peers. “I’m still healthy. I’m strong and I’ve still got my voice and my energy. The night I can’t hit the F natural on ‘Even Now,’ that’s the night I throw in the towel. But I can still do it.”

Manilow’s journey from the CBS mailroom to the world’s biggest stages is the stuff of showbiz legend. Before “Mandy” catapulted him to stardom, he was the “piano-playing mail boy,” moonlighting in New York clubs and penning jingles that became part of America’s cultural fabric—“I am stuck on Band-Aid brand, ’cause Band-Aid’s stuck on me,” and State Farm’s “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There,” among them. His knack for melody and heartfelt delivery have made him a beloved figure across generations.

His recent health scare, while sobering, has only strengthened the bond between Manilow and his fans. Messages of support have poured in from around the world, with many echoing the sentiment that his music has been a soundtrack to their lives. For his part, Manilow has been quick to express gratitude for the early detection of his cancer and the unwavering support of his audience. “I’m very sorry that you have to change your plans,” he told fans when rescheduling January shows, “Just like you, we were all looking forward to the January shows and hate having to move everything around.”

With the Westgate residency postponed, Manilow is channeling his energy into recovery and preparation for the tour ahead. His doctors’ advice is clear: take the time needed to heal, so he can deliver the powerful performances fans expect. And if his recent studio sessions are any indication, he’s as creatively charged as ever.

As the curtain rises on the next act of his storied career, Manilow’s resilience serves as a reminder that even legends need time to rest. For now, fans can look forward to new music, a return to the stage in March, and the promise of a farewell tour that’s sure to be as memorable as the man himself.