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 performed in St. Paul on Thursday, appeared to struggle while performing his hit songs at the Grand Casino Arena after about an hour on stage. Videos shared on social media showed Richie sitting down several times during the show.
Lionel Richie sat on stage in the middle of the performance
According to TMZ, the star addressed the audience saying, “What I’ve learned over my years in the business. If you feel dizzy, sit on your ass. And if you feel weird, sit on your ass!” He even went on to sit down at the piano to perform ‘Three Times a Lady’.
Lionel Richie ‘couldn’t go on’
As per Page Six, the singer announced an intermission. After about 40 minutes, Richie’s saxophonist Dino Soldo informed the concertgoers that the show would not continue. “Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” said Soldo. “He cannot continue. More information is available.”
Lionel Richie ‘felt dizzy’ mid-concert
According to Entertainment Weekly, St. Paul Fire Department PIO Jamie Smith 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 show.
Lionel Richie shares his excitement about his tour
Before taking the stage to perform for his fans, Richie shared his excitement about the tour launch in an Instagram post that read, “Opening night. Rehearsals. Sound check. Showtime tonight. Saint Paul, you’re up!!!”Thursday’s show is the opening night of Richie’s North American tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. The 26-date tour is set to continue with a show at Chicago’s United Center on Friday. However, it remains unclear whether Richie will be well enough to return to the stage.