Lionel Richie Postpones Shows After Falling Ill On Stage During Tour Opener

Lionel Richie is taking a pause from the stage after a health scare brought the opening night of his latest tour to an unexpected halt.

The music legend was performing in St. Paul, Minnesota, with Earth, Wind & Fire when he told the audience he was feeling dizzy and later exited the stage.

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Lionel Richie Postpones Shows After Stage Health Scare

As reported, Richie was around 55 minutes into the show when the moment unfolded.

The 77-year-old reportedly performed ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ while seated, telling the crowd it was the first time he had ever done the song that way.

He then continued at the piano for ‘Three Times a Lady’ before calling for an unplanned intermission.

Roughly 40 minutes later, saxophonist Dino Soldo returned to the stage to inform fans that the show would not continue.

Watch the clip:

Live Nation later confirmed, via a statement shared by Chicago’s United Center and reported by Good Morning America, that Richie’s next two shows have been postponed.

“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, Ohio.”

The statement added that Richie is “heartbroken” over the postponements and eager to return to fans.

As it stands, Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire are expected back on stage Tuesday, June 30, in Pittsburgh. New dates for the Chicago and Columbus stops will be announced soon.