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Barry Manilow cancels Kentucky concert hours before showtime
Barry Manilow postponed his concert in Lexington, Kentucky, just hours before he was due to take the stage, citing "unforeseen circumstances." The announcement, made via social media, means fans face another delay from the veteran singer, who has repeatedly rescheduled shows this year amid ongoing health issues. The Rupp Arena venue confirmed that all purchased tickets will remain valid once a new date is announced.
Manilow revealed in late 2025 that he had been diagnosed with stage one lung cancer, prompting him to cancel shows in January and postpone a planned Las Vegas residency, with further postponements following in February. By March he announced his cancer was in remission after a lobectomy, and he went on to release his 33rd studio album, What a Time, on 5th June, followed by a run of UK dates including Leeds, Liverpool, Cardiff, Birmingham and London's O2 Arena. However, he has since expressed concern that his voice has not fully returned, and this latest Lexington cancellation follows an earlier postponement of the same venue's March date; he remains scheduled to perform in Cincinnati on 5th August.
In short
- Manilow cancelled Lexington show hours before it began
- Cited "unforeseen circumstances"; tickets honoured for rescheduled date
- Follows lung cancer battle and recent vocal cord concerns
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Artists must prioritise their health above scheduling commitments, particularly after serious illness such as cancer. Attempting to perform before fully recovered risks permanent vocal damage and would ultimately disappoint audiences far more than a postponement. A quality rescheduled show respects both the performer's wellbeing and the audience's expectations.
The case against
Fans have purchased tickets and arranged their schedules around the confirmed date, and this marks the second postponement of the Lexington show specifically. Whilst health difficulties deserve sympathy, repeated cancellations of the same event undermine trust and leave audiences continually reorganising their plans. At some point, artists must either commit to dates or provide refunds rather than indefinitely deferring shows.
Explained simply
Barry Manilow is an American singer and songwriter whose career spans several decades. He is known for popular songs including “Mandy” and “Copacabana”, and continues to perform for audiences in the United States and abroad.
His touring plans have been affected by health problems. After being treated for early-stage lung cancer, he said the cancer was in remission, but has also spoken about concerns that his voice has not fully recovered. His concerts have consequently been rescheduled several times.
The Lexington performance is part of a wider series of dates, so changes can affect fans who have arranged travel as well as ticket holders. Rupp Arena says tickets will remain valid for the replacement date.