Lionel Richie has postponed two shows following a health scare that sent him to the hospital during the opening night of his tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. The 77-year-old singer cut his June 24 performance in St. Paul, Minnesota short after telling the audience he felt “dizzy” and “strange”.
The United Center in Chicago announced that Richie has been advised by doctors “to rest and return to full health” . His Friday show in Chicago and Saturday concert in Columbus, Ohio, have been postponed, with rescheduled dates to be announced.
Richie was performing “Dancing on the Ceiling” at the Grand Casino Arena when he sat down on a stage platform mid-song. “When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your ass down,” he joked to the crowd, noting it was “the first time in the history of ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ I’ve done it sitting down”.
After performing “Three Times a Lady” from the piano, Richie announced an intermission and left the stage. His band remained on stage for about 15 minutes before also exiting . Forty minutes later, saxophonist Dino Soldo delivered the disappointing news: “Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well. He won’t be able to continue”.
Richie was met by paramedics backstage and transported to a local hospital by ambulance as a precaution. Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris told the Minnesota Star Tribune that Richie was “a little dehydrated”.
Sources close to the singer told the Daily Mail that family and bandmates are concerned about Richie’s health, though he remains focused on getting back on the road. “Music isn’t just his job; it’s what keeps him going,” a source said.
Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire are scheduled to return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30 in Pittsburgh. The Sing A Song All Night Long tour includes 26 dates total, running through August 14 in Austin, Texas. “Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans,” a statement from Live Nation Chicago read.
