Barry Manilow Postpones Lexington Concert Due To Unforeseen Circumstances

Sudden Postponement at Rupp Arena

The 83-year-old Pop, Jazz, and Rock performer Barry Manilow was forced to call off his appearance in Lexington, Kentucky, for a second time, citing “unforeseen circumstances.” The announcement was shared via social media just as the doors of Rupp Arena were scheduled to open. According to reports from the local NBC affiliate Lex News, this postponement happened right before showtime, with one disgruntled fan on social media noting the timing was roughly 30 minutes before the concert was set to begin.

In a statement posted to the singer's Instagram account, the message read:

"Due to unforeseen circumstances tonight’s show in Lexington has been rescheduled."

— Barry Manilow’s Instagram

The venue also released a separate statement confirming the delay and providing guidance for ticket holders. Rupp Arena clarified that all previously purchased tickets will be honored at the new date once it is officially announced. At press time, no specific cause for the last-minute change was provided, and a spokesperson for the singer had not returned requests for comment. Despite the cancellation in Kentucky, the singer remains slated to perform at the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati on Wednesday night, August 5.

Health Battles and Previous Delays

This is the second time the Lexington stop has been pushed back. The concert was originally scheduled for March 9, but that date was postponed while the singer underwent treatment for stage 1 lung cancer. The health journey began in December, when he revealed the diagnosis and underwent surgery to remove a cancerous spot from his left lung later that month. Following medical advice, he pushed back his planned February Las Vegas residency dates as well as arena shows in February, March, and April to allow for more recovery time.

During a sit-down interview with Good Morning America in May, the artist gave an update on his condition, stating:

"I’m doing good."

— Barry Manilow

He told interviewer Chris Connelly that his recuperation took significantly longer than he had anticipated. This was largely due to a week spent in the ICU battling a bout of pneumonia that he described as “just about killing me.” While he was forced to reschedule the Northwest U.S. leg of his farewell tour originally set for April and May, he is now reported to be cancer-free.

Chart Records and Upcoming Schedule

Despite his health challenges, the veteran artist—who was formed in 1943—has continued to reach new career milestones. In March, his single “Once Before I Go” became a top 10 hit on the Adult Contemporary chart. This achievement made him the only artist to ever score an Adult Contemporary hit in six consecutive decades, a streak that began in the 1970s and continues through the 2020s. The song had previously reached No. 25 on the chart in February, more than 50 years after he first topped the chart with his hit “Mandy.”

In June, he released What a Time, his first new album in 15 years. His current schedule includes five more U.S. shows booked through the end of the month before he returns to Las Vegas to resume his Hits Come Home! residency. That residency is planned to run through December, with the singer playing an average of six shows a month.

Reflections on a Six-Decade Career

Fans have largely remained supportive throughout the various scheduling changes. Following the Lexington announcement, many commenters reminded critics of the singer's long-standing dedication to his audience over more than 60 years. One fan jokingly apologized for wearing him out after his Sunday night, August 2, performance in Columbus, where he played “all those fast loud song[s].”

Speaking with Rolling Stone UK, the singer reflected on his recent health journey and his enduring desire to connect with his audience:

"Have I done everything I wanted to do? It’s all the same cornball questions that you ask yourself forever, but now I was soaking in it. Have I been good to my friends and my family? Have I made people happy? I’ve always wanted to make people feel better when they come into my shows. I want them to feel better when they leave than when they came in."

— Barry Manilow