Lionel Richie has postponed his next two shows after being rushed to hospital following a concert where he appeared unsteady and complained of dizziness. The 77-year-old singer was performing the first date of his Sing A Song All Night Long tour at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Wednesday night when he stopped the show approximately one hour in.
Audience reports and medical response
Audience members reported that Richie told the crowd he felt 'dizzy' and 'strange' while performing. TMZ revealed that paramedics met him backstage and took him to hospital as a 'precautionary measure'. A video from the performance shows Richie telling the crowd: 'Now, what I have learned about my years of being in the business, when you are feeling dizzy, sit your a** down. And when you are feeling strange about yourself, sit your a** down.'
Postponement announcement
On Thursday, the United Center posted a statement on social media confirming the postponements: '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. He and Earth, Wind & Fire will return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30 in Pittsburgh, PA. 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.'
Fan reactions and performance details
Saxophonist Dino Soldo returned to the stage to announce that Richie was not feeling well and could not continue. Fans who attended shared concerns on social media. One user named Greg wrote: 'Hey now, our older, legendary performers are getting older, unfortunately. Sounds like he was just dehydrated, and the rider contract should always include 200 bottles of water.' Another fan, Sharon, said: 'I saw him last year when he was touring with Earth Wind and Fire. Both did amazing concerts. Hopefully he’s going to be okay.'
Richie's on-stage struggles
Another clip posted to social media shows Richie appearing unsteady as he walked across the stage while singing 'Dancing On The Ceiling'. Despite appearing unwell, he continued to sing the song while seated. After standing up and attempting to make his way across the stage again, less than 30 seconds later he stopped to sit down again while continuing to sing. Richie also told the Minnesota Star Tribune that he has never performed 'Dancing on the Ceiling' while sitting.
