Grammy nominee Barry Manilow has to cancel some tour dates due to setback after oral surgery

Sorry fanilows, Barry Manilow has been silenced – at least for now.

The 72-year-old singer-songwriter has been forced to cancel concerts this week in Highland Heights, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee due to complications from oral surgery that had taken place on Monday.

‘Barry is out of surgery and doing well,’ read a statement on his official Facebook page.

‘His Doctors report that the surgery was successful and they expect no further complications. For the next forty eight hours, Manilow has been instructed not to talk, sing, or rap.’

Manilow is up for a Grammy Award on Sunday and it’s not known if he will attend the ceremony.

A music superstar for more than four decades, Manilow had not denied being gay but he had not confirmed it or discussed it publicly at any time. Then last spring he married longtime manager Garry Kief with whom he has been with for nearly 30 years.

Manilow has yet to comment publicly about his marriage but his close friend Suzanne Somers, who was at the wedding, said later in a TV interview: ‘I think it’s freeing for him. He’s one of the most incredible people and a true musical genius. I believe he is the Irving Berlin of our generation. The impact he has made on music is incalculable.’

Manilow got his start as Bette Midler’s piano player when she made her splash at the Continental Baths in New York City.

He’s gone on to have a long string of hits including such songs as Mandy, I Write the Songs, Looks Like We Made It, I Made It Through the Rain, Can’t Smile Without You, Tryin’ to Get the Feeling, Weekend in New England and Copacabana.