Lionel Richie cuts concert short after dizziness, postpones Chicago and Columbus dates on doctors' orders

On-stage episode

Around 55 minutes into the opening night of the "Sing a Song All Night Long" tour at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, Lionel Richie, 77, began to feel unwell. Performing before a crowd of roughly 10,000, he first sat down mid-song during "Dancing on the Ceiling," telling the audience he was dizzy. "When you're feeling dizzy, sit your ass down," he was quoted as saying. He later managed a piano rendition of "Three Times a Lady" but ultimately left the stage, signalling an intermission.

“When you're feeling dizzy, sit your ass down.”

After a wait of approximately 40 minutes, saxophonist Dino Soldo returned to inform the crowd that Richie was unable to continue. "Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well," he said. "He won't be able to continue with the show." The backing band remained on stage for around 15 minutes before departing.

“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well. He won't be able to continue with the show.”

Medical attention and hospitalisation

Richie was seen by paramedics backstage and later transported to a local hospital. The Saint Paul Fire Department confirmed that an adult male was taken from the arena that night, though no details about his condition were released. Earth, Wind & Fire member John Paris told the Star Tribune that Richie appeared normal beforehand and that dehydration may have been the issue. "He was a little dehydrated," Paris said. No official update on Richie’s condition has been provided by his representatives.

“He was a little dehydrated.”

Shows postponed

The following day, Live Nation Chicago announced that the next two concerts – scheduled for June 26 in Chicago and June 27 in Columbus, Ohio – would be postponed. A statement read: "Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his next two shows. Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans." Ticketholders were told that rescheduled dates would be announced soon and apologies were offered for the inconvenience.

“Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans.”

Tour outlook

Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire are now set to resume the 26-date tour on June 30 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The itinerary will then continue through cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Austin, before wrapping in August. Later in the year, Richie also has dates booked in the UK and Brazil.