Barry Manilow, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, has once again postponed a concert in Lexington, Kentucky, citing “unforeseen circumstances.” The show, originally scheduled for Tuesday at Rupp Arena, has been rescheduled, with existing tickets expected to be honored for the new date. This marks the second cancellation at the same venue within a five-month period for the 83-year-old artist.
Concert Postponement Follows Previous Cancellation
The abrupt cancellation of the Lexington show comes as a disappointment to fans, particularly given the artist’s history of health-related postponements. In March, a performance at Rupp Arena was also called off as Manilow was recovering from surgery for lung cancer, which he underwent late last year. The venue confirmed that a new date for the postponed Tuesday performance will be announced, and current ticket holders will be accommodated.
Manilow, known for his string of hits in the 1970s and 80s, was scheduled to perform in Cincinnati, Ohio, the day after the canceled Lexington concert. His public appearances and touring schedule have been closely watched since his cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery.
Manilow’s Battle with Lung Cancer
The Grammy-winning artist revealed in March that he had been diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer in November of the previous year. The discovery was unexpected, stemming from a doctor’s visit for hip pain. Following a bout with bronchitis, an MRI scan revealed a growth on his lung.
Manilow shared candidly about the shock of the diagnosis, recounting his initial disbelief. “‘Could be cancer.’ That’s a bad word,” he told People magazine. “Not me. F*** you. I can’t have cancer.” He expressed gratitude that the condition was caught early, noting the potential severity if it had progressed further. “If it had gone any further, then I would be up s***’s creek. It just so happened that it hadn’t spread, and boy oh boy, I thought I might be dying.”
The experience prompted Manilow to reflect deeply on his life and career. “This made me stop and think about: Have I done what I wanted to do, and have I made people happy?” he stated. “Have I been a good friend? All of those cornball things that I’ve read for all of my life, I started to think about that, too. It really did stop me in my tracks.” He concluded that the answers to these introspective questions were overwhelmingly positive.
Concerns About Vocal Recovery
While Manilow has been open about his recovery, he has also expressed some apprehension regarding the impact of the surgery on his singing voice. Despite assurances from medical professionals that his vocal cords were not harmed during the procedure, he admitted to lingering uncertainty.
“They promised me that they were very gentle and they didn’t hurt my vocal cords. But I’m not so sure,” he shared in June. He acknowledged that full recovery from such an experience can be a lengthy process, with some suggesting it can take up to a year. His most recent album, “What A Time,” was released in June, coinciding with his updates on his health journey.
Impact of Health Scare on Perspective
Manilow credited his husband and manager, Garry Kief, for providing crucial support during the challenging period. The health crisis served as a significant turning point, compelling him to take stock of his life and legacy. The introspection led him to affirm his satisfaction with his life’s work and his connection with his audience.
The singer’s journey through cancer treatment and recovery highlights the fragility of life and the importance of early detection and medical care. While the recent concert cancellation in Kentucky adds to concerns about his ongoing recovery, his previous statements suggest a determination to continue performing and connecting with fans, albeit with a renewed appreciation for his health and the time he has.
Looking Ahead
Fans are awaiting further details regarding the rescheduled Lexington date and updates on Manilow’s health. The artist’s resilience in the face of significant health challenges underscores his enduring commitment to his music and his audience. Despite the setbacks, the focus remains on his recovery and his eventual return to the stage, with the hope that his vocal abilities remain intact.
