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Barry Manilow Axes Lexington Show 45 Minutes Before Curtain
Barry Manilow Cancels Concert at the Last Minute: What’s Going On?
What Happened?
Imagine you’re all dressed up, sitting in your seat, excited for a concert… and then 45 minutes before showtime, you find out it’s canceled. That’s exactly what happened to fans in Lexington, Kentucky on Tuesday night.
Barry Manilow, the famous singer behind hits like "Mandy" and "Copacabana," called off his show just 45 minutes before it was scheduled to start. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) saying:
"Due to unforeseen circumstances tonight’s show in Lexington has been rescheduled."
No other details were given at the time.
Why Did This Happen? The Backstory
Barry’s Health Journey
Barry isn’t just canceling shows for no reason. He’s been dealing with some serious health stuff:
| Timeline | What Happened |
|---|---|
| December 2023 | Barry reveals he has early-stage lung cancer |
| Before diagnosis | He had bronchitis for 6 weeks, then a relapse for 5 more weeks |
| Doctor’s visit | His doctor ordered an MRI just to be safe |
| The discovery | The MRI found a cancerous spot on his left lung |
| Good news | It was caught super early — "pure luck and a great doctor" |
| Treatment | Surgery to remove the spot — no chemo, no radiation needed |
| Recovery | "Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns" (his words!) |
What the Doctor Said
In February 2024, Barry had what he called a "very depressing visit" with his surgeon. Here’s what the doctor told him:
"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."
Barry admitted: "Deep down… my body knew what my heart didn’t want to admit: I wasn’t ready."
Recent Updates: Progress, But Not There Yet
May 2024 — Good News & Bad News
The Good:
- Doctor says Barry is "making great progress and look great!"
- All his training and exercising is paying off
- He WILL be ready for UK arena shows in June 2024
The Not-Yet-Ready:
- NOT ready for Vegas shows in May (Westgate residency)
- WILL return to Vegas in July 2024
"Westgate Las Vegas is my home away from home… and I’ll see you all in July. In the meantime… come to the UK! We’ll be there in June and hope you will be too!"
How Fans Reacted
The Critics
- Some called the last-minute cancellation "disrespectful"
- Frustrated fans who traveled or made plans
The Supporters
- "Sending hugs x take care and remember you must come first"
- "Please look after yourself Barry, sending much love and healing energy from across the pond"
- Many urging him to put his health first
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
- Barry Manilow is 82 years old and recovering from lung cancer surgery
- The cancer was caught early — no chemo or radiation needed
- His doctor explicitly said his lungs aren’t ready for 90-minute shows
- He’s making progress but listening to medical advice
- UK shows in June 2024 are still ON — Vegas returns in July 2024
- Last-minute cancellations are frustrating but necessary for his health
Summary
Barry Manilow canceled his Kentucky concert 45 minutes before showtime due to "unforeseen circumstances." This comes after he revealed a lung cancer diagnosis in December 2023 — caught early thanks to a routine MRI after a long bout of bronchitis. He had surgery to remove the cancerous spot and didn’t need chemo or radiation. However, his surgeon told him in February 2024 that his lungs aren’t strong enough yet for 90-minute concerts. While he’s making great progress with exercise and training, he’s canceling some shows (like Vegas in May) but keeping others (UK in June, Vegas in July). Fans are divided — some upset about the late notice, many sending love and support.
FAQ
Does Barry Manilow still have cancer?
No — he had early-stage lung cancer and surgery to remove the spot in late 2023/early 2024. His doctors don’t believe it spread, and he didn’t need chemo or radiation. He’s now in recovery.
Why cancel 45 minutes before the show?
While the exact reason for this specific cancellation wasn’t detailed, his doctor previously said his lungs aren’t ready for 90-minute performances. Health can change day-to-day during recovery.
Will he perform again?
YES! He says he’s "making great progress" and plans to:
- Perform in the UK in June 2024
- Return to Westgate Las Vegas in July 2024
- His words: "When I do come back, I will COME BACK!!!"
How old is Barry Manilow?
He’s 82 years old — which makes his recovery from lung surgery even more impressive!
What were his biggest hits?
Some of his most famous songs include: "Mandy," "Copacabana (At the Copa)," "Can’t Smile Without You," "I Write the Songs," and "Looks Like We Made It."
Fox News Digital’s Ashley Hume contributed to this report.
