Barry Manilow Cancels Las Vegas Concerts After Battling Bronchitis

Legendary singer Barry Manilow has cancelled his Saturday concert in Las Vegas after abruptly cutting short his performance the previous evening, raising further concerns about his health as he continues his recovery from lung cancer.

The 83-year-old entertainer returned to the Las Vegas stage on Thursday, October 8, following a six-week break from his residency due to health issues. However, his comeback was short-lived. On Friday, Manilow reportedly left the stage after performing just two songs, telling the audience to “talk amongst yourselves” before failing to return.

His Saturday performance was subsequently cancelled. In a statement, his representatives explained that after receiving a warm welcome at Thursday’s concert, Manilow had developed bronchitis, forcing him to cancel both his Friday and Saturday shows.

A Residency Disrupted by Health Challenges

Manilow’s Las Vegas residency was initially scheduled to begin in February but was postponed after the singer revealed that he was receiving treatment for lung cancer. Since then, he has had to postpone or cancel several performances for medical reasons. In August, he also cut short a Las Vegas show, citing “technical difficulties.”

The singer announced his lung cancer diagnosis in December of last year after doctors discovered the disease at an early stage during an MRI scan. He subsequently underwent surgery to remove a tumour from his left lung and followed medical advice to delay his residency and several tour dates to allow time for recovery.

In a March interview with People magazine, Manilow described the experience as “a nightmare,” while expressing gratitude that his condition had been detected early.

“I’m one of the lucky ones,” he said, explaining that he did not need chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

The experience also prompted the singer to reflect on his life, career and relationships. He told the magazine that his illness had made him reconsider whether he had accomplished what he wanted, made people happy and been a good friend.

He acknowledged that the health scare had forced him to pause and think about the things that truly mattered.

Uncertainty Surrounds His Voice and Recovery

Beyond his recent health setbacks, Manilow has also expressed uncertainty about whether his voice will fully recover following treatment.

During a summer appearance on Good Morning America, the singer admitted that he did not know whether his voice would return to its previous condition.

“My voice, I don’t know whether it’s coming back,” he said.

Manilow recalled a sound check approximately a month earlier during which his voice sounded so different that he struggled to recognize it. The experience left him questioning whether his singing career had reached an unexpected turning point.

For now, the cancellations mark another setback for the Grammy-winning performer as he navigates his recovery. Fans will be watching closely for updates on his health and the future of his Las Vegas residency.