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HangupsMusic.com – Los Angeles, The iconic singer-songwriter Barry Manilow has candidly revealed the intensely personal and harrowing details surrounding his recent battle with lung cancer, describing the experience as a "nightmare" that forced a profound re-evaluation of his life and career. Speaking for the first time in depth about the journey with People magazine, the 82-year-old artist shared the unexpected turn of events that led to a stage one lung cancer diagnosis and the subsequent treatment, all while preparing for the release of his highly anticipated new studio album, What a Time. This intimate conversation follows the recent announcement of his album details, casting a new light on the resilience and perspective gained through a significant health challenge.
The revelation of Manilow’s diagnosis unfolded in an extraordinary and fortunate sequence of events last November. Initially, the beloved musician sought medical attention for persistent hip discomfort, prompting his doctor to order an MRI. However, a crucial detail emerged during this consultation: Manilow mentioned having endured two recent, severe bouts of bronchitis. This seemingly minor piece of information proved to be life-saving. His physician, demonstrating remarkable foresight, decided to extend the MRI scan beyond the hip area to include his lungs. This proactive decision led to the discovery of a suspicious spot, a "dot" as Manilow referred to it, on one of his lungs.
“You just don’t even think about [how fragile life is],” Manilow recounted, expressing the sudden shock of confronting his own mortality. “And suddenly, you have lung cancer.” The unexpected nature of the diagnosis was particularly jarring because he experienced no discernible symptoms. “If he hadn’t done that, man… He saved my life, because there’s no symptoms for what I had. I could go on, nothing hurt – but they found the dot in my lung,” he emphasized, crediting his doctor with an intervention that undoubtedly averted a far more dire outcome. The initial phone call, informing him of the possibility of cancer, struck a chord of disbelief. “They called me and said, ‘Could be cancer.’ That’s a bad word. ‘Not me. F—k you. I can’t have cancer.’” This raw, visceral reaction captures the immediate denial and shock that often accompanies such life-altering news.
Further tests confirmed the grim reality: Barry Manilow had stage one lung cancer. The exact duration of its presence in his body remained unclear, with medical professionals suggesting it "could have been years." This uncertainty underscored the gravity of the situation, as Manilow pondered the potential consequences if the cancer had advanced undetected. “If it had gone any further, then I would be up s—t’s creek. It just so happened that it hadn’t spread, and boy oh boy, I thought I might be dying.” The fortunate timing of the discovery, before any metastatic spread, was a critical factor in his prognosis and subsequent treatment plan.
Within four weeks of receiving the definitive diagnosis, Manilow underwent a lobectomy, a surgical procedure to remove one of the two lobes of his left lung. The intervention was significant, followed by a challenging seven-day stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The ordeal was so intense that Manilow admitted to having little recollection of his time in the hospital, referring to it simply as a "nightmare." A profound sense of relief accompanied his recovery when he learned that no further aggressive treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, would be necessary. This avoidance of more invasive therapies was a significant comfort and a testament to the early detection and successful surgical removal of the cancerous tissue.
The news of his health battle first reached the public on December 22, when Manilow announced his early-stage lung cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery. Fans worldwide expressed an outpouring of concern and support. On March 3, he offered a more reassuring update through an upbeat video message, stating, “I am getting stronger and I have great doctors and wonderful friends and family, but I am so looking forward to getting back on stage.” This message provided a glimmer of hope and demonstrated his unwavering spirit despite the recent health scare.
Just days before his candid interview, on March 23, Manilow had thrilled his dedicated fanbase, affectionately known as "Fanilows," by announcing the details of What a Time. This marks his first studio album in nearly 15 years to feature mostly new, original material. The album, primarily produced by Manilow himself alongside longtime collaborator Michael Lloyd, is his 33rd studio offering. It stands as a significant milestone, being his first collection of predominantly original songs since 2011’s 15 Minutes, which notably became his 15th top 10 album on the Billboard 200 chart. For What a Time, Manilow’s creative imprint is evident, having written or co-written all but two of the 13 tracks, a testament to his enduring songwriting prowess.
The harrowing experience of facing a life-threatening illness spurred a deep period of introspection for Manilow. He reflected on the profound impact the cancer scare had on his perception of existence and his legacy. “It has really, really made me take stock of my 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 shared with People. These fundamental, universal questions took on new urgency in the shadow of his diagnosis. For an artist who has spent decades connecting with millions through his music, the validation of his life’s work became a poignant exercise. “All of those cornball things that I’ve read for all of my life, I started to think about that, too. It [cancer] 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.” This powerful affirmation underscores a sense of fulfillment and peace, emerging from a period of intense vulnerability.
The unexpected health crisis inevitably led to the postponement of Manilow’s highly anticipated "farewell arena tour." This tour, intended as a grand celebration of his illustrious career and a final opportunity for fans to see him perform live on such a scale, held immense significance. The interruption highlighted the fragility of even the most meticulously planned artistic endeavors. However, Manilow’s commitment to his fans and his passion for performing remain undimmed. The tour is now slated to resume on April 13, kicking off with a performance at the UBS Arena in Belmont Park, New York. Current bookings extend well into the future, with dates scheduled through a grand finale on January 21, 2027, at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, promising fans ample opportunity to experience his iconic presence once more.
Barry Manilow’s journey from an unexpected diagnosis to a renewed sense of purpose exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit. His willingness to share such a deeply personal struggle not only demystifies the fear surrounding cancer but also reinforces his profound connection with his audience. As he prepares to release What a Time and embark once again on his farewell tour, Manilow stands as a testament to embracing life, cherishing connections, and continuing to create, even in the face of profound adversity. His story serves as a powerful reminder that every moment is indeed "what a time."