The Sing A Song All Night Long tour with R&B icons Earth, Wind & Fire was abruptly canceled after 77-year-old Richie appeared unwell on stage.
Lionel Richie ends tour opener early due to ‘vertigo’
Lionel Richie cut the opening round of his Minnesota tour short after experiencing “vertigo,” according to local reports.
Lionel Richie has put his return to the stage on hold after suddenly falling ill during the start of his new tour.
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, 77, was scheduled to perform in Chicago and Columbus, Ohio, this weekend as part of his Sing a Song All Night Long Tour with Earth, Wind & Fire.
Live Nation Chicago announced in a statement on Thursday, June 25, that the concert will be postponed as Richie is recovering from a recent illness.
“On the advice of doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his next two shows: Friday, June 26th in Chicago and Saturday, June 27th in Columbus,” the statement read. “He and Earth, Wind & Fire will return to the stage for a show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, June 30th.”
USA TODAY has reached out to Ritchie’s representatives for comment.
Richie’s performance at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Wednesday was cut short after he appeared to become dizzy on stage.
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, the R&B icon performed his groovy hit “Dancing on the Ceiling” while sitting on a staircase. He later told the audience, “If you feel dizzy, sit down,” and admitted he’d never sat down and sang the 80s classic. He then began singing the ballad “Three Times a Lady” while sitting at the grand piano.
Shortly after, halfway through his set, Richie announced a “break,” according to the outlet. He did not return and after 15 minutes his band also left. After nearly 25 minutes of silence, saxophonist Dino Sordo appeared on stage and announced: “Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well and will not be able to continue.”
Live Nation Chicago did not provide additional details about Richie’s condition in a statement Thursday.
“Lionel is heartbroken to have these two shows postponed and cannot wait to perform in front of his fans again,” the statement concluded. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to fans who have tickets for these two performances. Postponed dates will be announced soon.”
The Star Tribune reported that Richie wore leather pants and a leather jacket for the performance and was sweating noticeably during the 55 minutes on stage. Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris told the magazine that the singer was “slightly dehydrated” but was unsure of his other health condition.
