Lionel Richie’s latest tour has hit an unexpected pause after the music icon suffered a frightening health scare in front of thousands of fans.
The legendary singer shocked concertgoers when he suddenly stopped performing during the opening night of his Sing A Song All Night Long tour, later leaving the venue in an ambulance as a precaution.
Now, the 77-year-old has postponed upcoming shows while doctors monitor his condition, with those closest to him reportedly urging the workaholic entertainer to put his health first.
Just one day after cutting short his performance in St. Paul, Minnesota, Lionel Richie announced that his next two concerts would no longer go ahead.
A statement issued through Chicago’s United Center confirmed that the Grammy winner had been advised to step away from the stage while he recovers.
“Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his next two shows on Friday, June 26 in Chicago, IL and Saturday, June 27 in Columbus, OH,” it read.
The statement added that Richie and tourmates Earth, Wind & Fire are expected to resume the Sing A Song All Night Long tour on Tuesday, June 30, in Pittsburgh.
“Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes fans who have tickets for these two shows. Rescheduled dates will be announced soon,” the statement noted.
Richie Struggled Through Performance Before Calling An Intermission
As The Blast reported, the frightening moment unfolded during the opening concert of Lionel Richie’s latest tour at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul.
After performing “Three Times A Lady” from behind the piano, Richie unexpectedly announced an intermission after telling the audience he felt “dizzy.”
Fans soon realized something was wrong when more than 40 minutes passed without the singer returning to the stage. Eventually, saxophonist Dino Soldo addressed the audience.
“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” he said. “He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”
Videos shared online showed the “We Are the World” singer appearing increasingly unsteady during “Dancing On The Ceiling.” Audience members also recalled Richie trying to reassure the crowd while acknowledging he wasn’t feeling his best.
One concertgoer said Richie told fans, “he has been in this business long enough, if you feel dizzy you sit down! And if you don’t feel right, you sit down!”
Lionel Richie Fans Watched The Situation Unfold In Real Time
Before the concert officially ended, fans witnessed several worrying moments that hinted that Richie was struggling.
Footage posted online showed him briefly sitting on the edge of a raised platform before standing to continue singing.
Less than 30 seconds later, however, he sat down again on the opposite side of the stage while still performing.
According to reports, Soldo even sat beside Richie during part of “Dancing On The Ceiling” as the singer tried to finish the performance.
Once Richie’s band quietly exited the stage, audience members slowly realized the concert would not continue, and many began to leave the venue before the official announcement.
Lionel Richie’s Inner Circle Is Reportedly Worried
Although Richie has not publicly revealed the cause of the episode, people close to the singer reportedly fear he has been pushing himself too hard.
A source told the Daily Mail that family, friends, and even his bandmates have growing concerns about his relentless schedule.
“Family, friends, and even his bandmates are definitely concerned about Lionel’s health, but nobody is about to tell him to slow down,” the insider explained.
According to the source, the Grammy Award winner’s dedication to performing has remained unchanged since his days with The Commodores decades ago.
“The Lionel we see on tour and on American Idol is the same Lionel we have known for decades – he’s always moving, always working, and always looking ahead to the next show,” they stated.
The insider added that Richie’s passion for performing continues to drive him, sharing, “Music isn’t just his job; it’s what keeps him going. He’s not someone who sits still, and retirement has never really been part of the conversation unless his health leaves him with no other choice.”
Richie Is More Focused On Fans Than Himself
Despite the alarming health scare, the insider claimed Lionel Richie’s biggest concern isn’t his condition, but it’s disappointing concertgoers.
“Right now, Lionel is actually more upset that fans didn’t get the full show they paid for than he is about himself and his health. That’s where his head is,” they explained.
The source added that the icon is eager to return to the stage as quickly as doctors will allow. They revealed Richie hopes he’ll soon receive reassuring news.
“He fully expects to be back doing what he loves, and he’s already hoping to make it to Chicago this weekend if everything checks out,” the insider said.
While Richie continues undergoing medical evaluation, the insider said the legendary entertainer remains optimistic.
According to them, “He’s still waiting for a few more answers on what he is dealing with, but he feels that it could be just a bit of an episode over something super serious.”