TL;DR
- Barry Manilow diagnosed with lung cancer.
- Underwent surgery, now facing voice issues.
- Reflects on life and career ahead of tour.
- Fans show immense support during recovery.
- New album set to release soon.
Barry Manilow, the legendary crooner known for his iconic ballads, is facing a daunting challenge as he prepares for his farewell tour. In a candid interview with ABC News, Manilow opened up about his recent lung cancer diagnosis and the toll it has taken on his beloved voice. “My voice — I don’t know whether it’s coming back,” he confessed, sounding every bit the vulnerable superstar we adore. The Grammy winner, famous for hits like “Mandy” and “Copacabana,” shared his fears after undergoing a left lung lobectomy. “I just couldn’t believe that it’s over,” he added, clearly grappling with the emotional weight of his situation.
Manilow’s cancer journey began when he was diagnosed with a stage-one tumor in his left lung, discovered after a bout of bronchitis led to an MRI. “They found the dot, the spot, that thing that you don’t want to, you don’t want to ever have,” he recalled, emphasizing the shock of the news. Fortunately, the surgery was deemed successful, and doctors informed him he wouldn’t need chemotherapy or radiation. However, the recovery process has not been without its struggles. Manilow ended up in the ICU with pneumonia, a complication that added to his already heavy emotional burden.
“There were a couple of moments there that I thought this may be goodbye,” he admitted, reflecting on the terrifying experience. But amid the fear, he found solace in the care he received. “These people at this hospital, they were just angels, saints. I could cry so hard every time I think about these nurses and doctors,” he said, highlighting the importance of support during tough times.
As he approaches his 83rd birthday, Manilow is taking stock of his life and career. “Have I done everything I wanted to do? Have I been good to people? Have I made people feel good?” he mused. His dedication to his craft and his fans is evident as he prepares to return to the stage. Despite his concerns about his voice, he remains optimistic. “I can’t wait to get back. I’m in great shape, I’m ready to go. I just hope my voice is there. If I sound good, that would be just great!”
With a new album titled “What a Time” set to release soon, featuring the chart-topping single “Once Before I Go,” Manilow is determined to make his mark once more. “I haven’t had a top-10 single since Washington crossed the Delaware!” he joked, showcasing his signature humor even in the face of adversity. His first stadium show is scheduled for June 25, and fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the spotlight.
As the music world rallies around him, we can only hope that Barry Manilow’s voice returns stronger than ever. After all, this is a man who has dedicated his life to making people feel good through his music, and we can’t wait to see him back on stage, doing just that.