Barry Manilow joked that recovering from surgery has felt like “agony,” mainly because he admits he’s impatient and eager to start touring again.
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The iconic singer is marking the success of his single “Once Before I Go,” which has reached the Top 10 charts.
Barry Manilow is eager to return to performing after surgery. The 82-year-old singer, who recently underwent a procedure to remove a cancerous spot from his lung, is also celebrating a major achievement: his song “Once Before I Go” has reached the Top 10, marking six decades of chart success.
In a video message to fans on social media, Manilow expressed gratitude for their support during his recovery.
“It’s been a long journey, and since I have no patience, it’s been agonizing,” he admitted. “But I’m getting stronger. I have excellent doctors and amazing friends and family, and I can’t wait to be back on stage.”
He added, “What a time it’s been—also the title of my upcoming album, What a Time, which is coming out soon. I’m excited to share these songs with you. Here’s to many more years of making music together. All my love and thanks.”
Manilow revealed in December that he had to pause his farewell tour after doctors discovered a cancerous spot in his left lung. Fortunately, they determined it hadn’t spread, and he wouldn’t need chemotherapy or radiation.
Since then, several shows have been postponed, most recently all dates through March 17, with the next performance now planned for March 26 in Las Vegas.
Despite exercising on a treadmill three times daily, Manilow noted he still couldn’t sing more than three songs consecutively. He recalled his doctor advising, “Barry, you won’t be ready for a 90-minute show yet. Your lungs need more time, though considering everything, you’re in remarkable shape.”
“Once Before I Go” entered the Top 10 on the Adult Contemporary chart on March 3, some 52 years after his hit “Mandy” first charted in 1974.
In his video message, Manilow said, “With so much happening in the world, I wanted to share some good news. ‘Once Before I Go’ just reached the Top 10 on the pop chart. Can you believe it? I’m 100 years old with a Top 10 single—like my grandmother said, next thing you know, they’ll be walking on the moon.”
He thanked Clive Davis for recommending the song, radio stations for playing it, and fans for requesting it. Manilow had previously told PEOPLE in September that Davis suggested he record “Once Before I Go,” which Hugh Jackman had performed in The Boy From Oz.