Barry Manilow's cancer battle has been "agony" because he has been unable to perform

And while Barry has reassured fans he is getting "stronger", he admitted he's found his illness difficult because he has "no patience" and has been desperate to return to normal life.

Marking his song Once Before I Go becoming a top 10 hit on the Adult Contemporary chart, extending his run to six decades, Barry said in a video message to fans shared on social media: "It's been a long ride and since I have no patience, it's been agony.

"But I am getting stronger. And I have great doctors and wonderful friends and family, but I am so looking forward to getting back on stage.

"What a time it's been. Hey, that's the name of my new album! It's called What a Time. It comes out real soon and I can't wait to show these songs to you. So here's to another century of making music together, my friends. All my love and gratitude."

The Copacabana singer began his video by sharing his joy at his latest career milestone, which came 52 years after his first song Mandy charted in 1974.

He said: "You know, with everything that's going on in the world, I wanted to check in and share some good news. In fact, it's great news.

"Our latest single 'Once Before I Go' just entered the Top 10 on the pop chart. How do you like that? I'm 100 years old with a Top 10 single on the pop charts... Like my grandmother once said, next thing you know, they'll be walking on the moon."

Barry also thanked Clive Davis "for suggesting the song" - which was performed by Hugh Jackman in The Boy From Oz - as well as radio stations for playing it, and fans for requesting it.

In February, Barry explained he had had to postpone the start of his upcoming arena tour following a "very depressing" meeting with his surgeon.

He wrote on Instagram: "Hi Everyone. Barry here. Just got home from visiting the surgeon. Very depressing visit.

"I told him that I have been using the treadmill three times a day (I have) but that I still couldn't sing more than three songs in a row before I had to stop.

"But I was sure that I would be able to do the Arena shows in a few weeks. He shook his head. He looked at me and then he looked at the floor. 'What?' I said.

"He said, 'Barry, you won't be ready to do a 90 minute show. Your lungs aren't ready yet. You're in great shape considering what you've been through, but your body isn't ready. You shouldn't do the first Arena shows. You won't make it through.'

"Well, I had a feeling he'd say that. Deep down, I wanted to go back-but my body knew what my heart didn't want to admit: I wasn't ready."

Barry went on to share the rescheduled dates and promised his fans that he is doing everything he can to get back on stage.

He said: "I'm so sorry I have to reschedule the first batch of Arena shows from February 27th - March 17.

"He said I could likely do the Vegas shows at the very end of March and the second batch of Arena shows beginning in April."