Lionel Richie postpones performance after health scare on stage during opening concert

Legendary singer Lionel Richie has postponed the next two stops of his North American tour after suffering a heart attack during Wednesday night’s opening concert in St. Paul did not feel well in Minnesota.

Lionel Richie postpones performance due to health scare

The 77-year-old was in the middle of a concert at the Grand Casino Arena – the first night of the 26-city Sing A Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind & Fire – when he started feeling dizzy.

Attendees say Richie tried to push through, sitting down to finish a version of his 1986 hit “Dancing on the Ceiling,” joking that it was the first time he’d sung it sitting down. He later moved to piano for “Three Times a Lady” before taking an unscheduled break and not returning to the stage.

Saxophonist Dino Soldo eventually told the crowd that the show was canceled because Richie was too ill to continue. Medical personnel evaluated him backstage and he was taken to a local hospital as a precaution. No detailed medical updates have been released.

On Thursday, promoters announced that Richie will rest and postpone shows in Chicago (June 26) and Columbus (June 27) on medical advice. Live Nation Chicago cited the singer as “heartbroken” to postpone the shows and said new dates would be confirmed soon. The tour is expected to resume in Pittsburgh on June 30 if Richie’s recovery goes as expected.

Richie, whose five-decade career includes hits like “Hello,” “All Night Long” and “Endless Love,” has sold more than 125 million records worldwide and remains a fixture on the road. Fans and colleagues have expressed concern online and in person, sending well wishes as he focuses on his health.

Neither Richie nor his team shared any other medical details other than the advice to rest. Organizers say they will provide updated scheduling information as it becomes available.