Barry Manilow fans in Kentucky were already inside the final countdown to what had been billed as his “Last Lexington Concert” when the goodbye suddenly vanished from the schedule.
The 83-year-old singer was expected to take the stage at Rupp Arena at 7 p.m. Tuesday. At approximately 6:54 p.m., however, local viewers learned that the performance had been postponed because of “unexpected and unforeseen circumstances.” WKYT reported that the announcement came just six minutes before showtime.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances tonight’s show in Lexington has been rescheduled,” Manilow’s team wrote online.
No further explanation was offered, leaving disappointed fans with another unanswered question as they prepared to watch the “Copacabana” legend perform what had been promoted as his final concert in the city.
The sudden change does not appear to be a permanent cancellation. Ticketmaster now lists the concert as “Date TBA” and says previously purchased tickets will remain valid when a replacement date is announced.
Barry Manilow Fans Fear for His Health but Blast the Late Notice
Replies beneath the announcement quickly filled with messages urging Manilow not to rush his recovery.
“Take good care, Barry,” one supporter wrote. “You came back really fast. Take your time. Just be well.”
Another sent “much love and healing energy,” while one worried fan wrote, “I pray everyone is OK and that there is nothing seriously wrong with anyone.”
Others were far more frustrated by the financial consequences.
“We traveled from Cincinnati to hear him,” one attendee wrote, claiming they did not learn about the postponement until roughly 30 minutes before the performance.
Another fan said this was their second unsuccessful attempt to see Manilow in Lexington after previously experiencing a last-minute cancellation in Las Vegas.
“We live 2 hrs away,” the person wrote. “Expensive night for us to have it cancelled.”
Someone else questioned when the replacement show would happen, adding that fans had now spent money on hotels twice. Another called the late notice “so disrespectful.”
The Lexington concert had originally been scheduled for March before being moved while Manilow recovered from treatment. He has since spoken openly about rebuilding his breathing and singing strength after part of his lung was removed.
His representatives have not connected Tuesday’s postponement to another medical problem, meaning the worried reactions remain speculation.
Lexington fans already waited nearly five months for Manilow’s final goodbye. Whether they learned six, 30 or 40 minutes before showtime, they all received the same painful message: the wait was beginning again.
