Music icon Lionel Richie was forced to abruptly end the opening night of his 26-city North American tour after falling ill on stage.The 77-year-old singer, who was performing in St. Paul on Thursday, appeared to struggle while performing his hits at the Grand Casino Arena after being on stage for about an hour.
Videos shared on social media showed Richie sitting down several times during the performance.
Lionel Richie sits on stage in the middle of the performance
According to TMZ, the star addressed the audience, saying, “What I’ve learned from my years in this business. When you feel dizzy, sit your ass down. When you feel weird about yourself, sit your ass down!” He even went to sit at the piano to perform “Three Times a Lady.”
Lionel Richie ‘will not be able to continue’
According to Page Six, the singer has announced a break. After about 40 minutes, saxophonist Dino Soldo informed concertgoers that the show would not go ahead.
“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” Soldo said. “He will not be able to continue. Additional information will be provided.”
Lionel Richie feels dizzy during the concert
According to Entertainment Weekly, PIO Jamie Smith of the St. Paul Fire Department told EW via email that an “adult male was transported” to a “local hospital” after Richie admitted on stage that he felt “dizzy” during the performance.
Lionel Richie shares his excitement about his tour
Before he took to the stage to perform for his fans, Richie shared his excitement about the launch of the tour in an Instagram post that read: “Opening night. Rehearsals. Sound check. Showtime tonight. St. Paul, you’re up!!!”Thursday’s performance was the opening night of Richie’s North American tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. The 26-day tour is scheduled to continue with a show at Chicago’s United Center on Friday. However, it is still unclear whether Ritchie will be healthy enough to return to the stage.
