Lionel Richie postpones concerts after falling ill during tour opener

Edward Segarra and Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAYFri, June 26, 2026 at 1:14 PM UTC

0

Lionel Richie is pausing his return to the stage after abruptly falling ill during the opening 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.

In a statement released Thursday, June 25, Live Nation Chicago announced that Richie would be postponing the concerts as he recovers from his recent illness.

"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, and Saturday, June 27 in Columbus," the statement read. "He and Earth, Wind & Fire will return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30" for a show in in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

USA TODAY has reached out to Richie's representatives for comment.

Lionel Richie health: Singer falls ill, abruptly ends All Night Long tour opener

Advertisement

Richie's performance at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Wednesday was cut short when the singer appeared to suffer a dizzy spell onstage.

The R&B icon performed his grooving hit "Dancing on the Ceiling" while sitting on a step, per the Minnesota Star Tribune. He later told the audience, "When you're feeling dizzy, sit your ass down," admitting he'd never sung the '80s classic seated. He then launched into the ballad "Three Times a Lady" while sitting at a grand piano.

Shortly after, just over halfway through his set, Richie announced an "intermission," according to the outlet. He didn't return, and after 15 minutes, his band also left. After nearly 25 more minutes with no word, saxophonist Dino Soldo appeared onstage to announce that "unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well. He won't be able to continue."

Live Nation Chicago did not provide additional details on Richie's condition in Thursday's statement.

"Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans," the statement concluded. "We apologize for any inconvenience this causes fans who have tickets for these two shows. Rescheduled dates will be announced soon."

The Star Tribune reported that Richie was wearing leather pants and a leather jacket for his performance and noticeably sweating during his 55 minutes onstage. Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris told the outlet the singer was "a little dehydrated" but otherwise did not know his health status.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lionel Richie concert postponed, breaks silence after dizzy spell

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”