Barry Manilow’s return to the Las Vegas stage hit another setback. The 83-year-old singer cancelled his Saturday, October 10, performance at the International Theatre at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino after developing bronchitis, just days after returning from a six-week break. His Friday night show, October 9, also ended early after he reportedly performed only a couple of songs.The news disappointed fans who had welcomed Manilow back on Thursday, October 8. According to PEOPLE, representatives for the singer and the resort confirmed the cancellations, saying, “After a triumphant welcome-back concert on Thursday, Barry got hit with bronchitis and had to cancel his Friday and Saturday shows.”
Barry Manilow’s return to Las Vegas was short-lived
Manilow’s October 8 concert marked his first performance at the Westgate since August 22. The singer had taken a break after completing a demanding summer schedule, which included 29 shows in 68 days.In a social media message announcing the pause, Barry Manilow spoke openly about the pace of his tour. “The shows were fantastic. The audiences were fantastic. And I sounded fantastic. But it seems that we were pushing a little too hard,” he wrote.He also told fans, “Now we all need to sit down and shut up,” before promising to return to the Westgate on October 8. The light-hearted message reflected his hope that the break would give him time to rest before getting back on stage.His return initially appeared to go well. According to the Los Angeles Times, Manilow greeted the audience during Thursday’s concert by saying, “This is the first time back in a long time. I have some medical problems, but I’m back!” Fans cheered, and he joked with the crowd as the evening continued.However, the following night’s performance ended early. Barry Manilow walked off stage after two songs. The Saturday show was subsequently cancelled.
Barry Manilow recent health struggles began with bronchitis
The latest setback has brought renewed attention to Manilow’s health, particularly because a prolonged bout of bronchitis preceded his lung cancer diagnosis in late 2025.On December 22, 2025, Barry Manilow announced on social media that an MRI had revealed a cancerous spot on his left lung. He said the scan was ordered by his doctor after he experienced six weeks of bronchitis followed by a five-week relapse.In his announcement, published on his official website, Barry Manilow explained that the cancer had been found early. “It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early,” he wrote.The singer underwent surgery to remove the affected lobe of his lung. His diagnosis forced him to postpone several concerts while he recovered. The Associated Press and Reuters also reported the diagnosis and the resulting changes to his touring schedule.
Barry Manilow has continued to make music despite setbacks
Even after his diagnosis and recovery period, Manilow has continued to work toward returning to live performances. Barry Manilow released ‘What a Time’ on June 5, 2026. The album featured mostly original songs and was his first of its kind in almost 15 years, the Los Angeles Times reported.Despite his recent health problems, he had returned to touring over the summer and was keen to get back in front of his fans in Las Vegas. But the latest cancellations underline how difficult it can be to maintain a busy schedule while dealing with health problems.For now, the singer’s immediate priority appears to be recovering from bronchitis. His representative’s statement did not confirm whether the illness would affect his next scheduled performances. The Westgate’s event listings continued to show further dates, including October 15–17, but those performances should not be considered confirmed as going ahead until an updated announcement is made.
