Barry Manilow cancels shows after surgery leads to emergency hospital dash

Barry Manilow has been forced to cancel dates on what he says will be his final tour after being rushed to hospital. The 72-year-old singer had just played a sold out show in Memphis when he was taken to LA “due to complications from emergency oral surgery” he had earlier in the week. Manilow, who has had long-standing problems with his jaw, postponed shows scheduled for Thursday and Friday although his managers said they would be rescheduled. It was unclear if Manilow would be well enough to attend Monday’s Grammy ceremony, where he is nominated for his 15th award for his latest album, My Dream Duets.

He is perfectly healthy. He is not in the hospital. Other than the dental issue, he is doing great

Victoria Varela, Manilow’s publicist

The New York-born singer enjoyed wide success as a soft rock singer in the 1970s, with hit singles including Copacabana (At the Copa). Manilow, who has suffered a series of health scares over the years, has said that this tour will be his last. It is scheduled to end on 23 June at the O2 Arena in London. Manilow has had frequent dental treatment ever since a benign tumor ruptured in his upper jaw in 1986. Ticket holders for the cancelled concerts have been promised replacements on the rearranged dates.

I had to sign a statement saying that if they needed to remove half my mouth I would let them do it. They told me I nearly died.

Barry Manilow talking about his jaw problems

barry manilow