Pop icon Barry Manilow was forced to cancel his show in Lexington, Kentucky, Tuesday night just hours before he was due on stage.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances tonight’s show in Lexington has been rescheduled,” a statement shared on Manilow’s X account read. A specific reason for the postponement was not shared.
The Independent has contacted Manilow’s representatives for comment.
It’s the second time the “Copacabana” singer, 83, has had to postpone the Lexington concert. Manilow was first due to perform in the Kentucky city in March, but pushed the date back while he underwent treatment for lung cancer.
The singer revealed his diagnosis in December last year, crediting his doctor with detecting it early during an MRI scan.
He underwent surgery to remove a tumor on his left lung, postponing his Las Vegas residency and several planned tour dates to recover.
He described a February visit to the surgeon ahead of his anticipated return to the stage as “very depressing.” Despite “using the treadmill three times a day” to prepare for his upcoming arena tour dates, his surgeon advised against him resuming the previously postponed concerts.
Speaking in March to People, Manilow described the ordeal as “a nightmare.” But he’s also been able to find the bright sides in a dark situation.
“I’m one of the lucky ones; I don’t have to have chemo, radiation and all that stuff,” he said.
The entire ordeal has forced Manilow to take stock of his life.
“This made me stop and think about: Have I done what I wanted to do, and have I made people happy? Have I been a good friend?” he told People. “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.
“And the answers are yes. And as a matter of fact, there are more yeses than I ever thought.”
The Grammy-winning artist’s career has spanned over six decades. In that time, he’s released more than 30 studio albums, including 1978’s Even Now, which features his best-known hit “Copacabana,” as well as three other major singles: “Even Now,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and “Somewhere in the Night.” His other top hits include “Mandy,” “Somewhere Down the Road” and “Could It Be Magic.”
The next stop on his farewell tour — titled The Last Concerts — is scheduled for tonight (August 5) at the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. It remains unclear whether the concert will take place.