Lionel Richie Leaves Fans Shocked After Sudden Concert Halt
Lionel Richie was rushed to the hospital after he fell ill onstage and abruptly ended his concert early.
On Wednesday, Saint Paul Fire Department PIO Jamie Smith confirmed to Page Six that they “did transport an adult male from the arena last night to a local hospital.”
However, the “All Night Long” singer’s current condition remains unclear.
Page Six has reached out to Richie’s rep for comment but did not immediately hear back.
During the opening night of Richie’s 26-city North American tour at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, the four-time Grammy winner fell ill while he was onstage.
Per videos shared online, Richie — who is co-headlining with Earth, Wind & Fire — was forced to sit down several times while singing “Dancing on the Ceiling.”
“When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your ass down,” Richie, 77, told the crowd, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Though Richie continued to push through his performance, he took an intermission and left his band onstage to perform to the crowd for about 15 minutes.
Nearly an hour later, saxophonist Dino Soldo addressed the audience, telling them the show would be canceled because Richie was “not feeling well.”
“He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available,” Soldo told the crowd.
Prior to the show, Richie shared how excited he was to be hitting the road.
“Opening night. 🚀 Rehearsals. Sound check. Showtime tonight.📍Saint Paul, you’re up!!!” he captioned an Instagram carousel of himself rehearsing.
In the snaps, the “We Are the World” co-writer gave fans an inside look at how he prepped for the tour.
Richie — who celebrated his birthday on June 20 — thanked his band and the tour crew for surprising him with ice cream and a pie.
“A perfect way to start the tour!! 🤣 Feeling grateful!! See you tonight, Saint Paul, MN. 🫶,” he captioned the post.
Richie’s next tour stop is slated for Friday in Chicago at the United Center.
