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Barry Manilow cancelled his Christmas dates because he underwent surgery to remove cancer from his lungs. The 82-year-old was hoping to be back on the road at the end of this month, but that is no longer happening.
The singer had this message for his fans:
Hi Everyone.
Barry here.
Just got home from visiting the surgeon.
Very depressing visit.
I told him that I have been using the treadmill three times a day (I have) but that I still couldn’t sing more than three songs in a row before I had to stop.
But I was sure that I would be able to do the Arena shows in a few weeks.
He shook his head.
He looked at me and then he looked at the floor.
“What?” I said.
He said, “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.”
Well, I had a feeling he’d say that. Deep down, I wanted to go back-but my body knew what my heart didn’t want to admit: I wasn’t ready.
I’m so sorry I have to reschedule the first batch of Arena shows from February 27th – March 17.
He said I could likely do the Vegas shows at the very end of March and the second batch of Arena shows beginning in April.
Hopefully, his lungs will have healed by then. However, his health comes first. Although for performers like him , being in front of an audience is his best medicine.
