Lionel Richie shares health update after onstage medical scare, says "I'm doing well"
Washington DC, July 6
Legendary singer-songwriter Lionel Richie has reassured fans that he is recovering well after an onstage health scare forced him to postpone the opening dates of his North American 'Sing a Song All Night Long Tour, according to E! News.
The 77-year-old music icon shared a health update on Instagram on July 4, a week after experiencing a dizzy spell during his opening-night performance in St. Paul, Minnesota, which led to the postponement of his scheduled concerts in Illinois and Ohio.
"Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love," Richie wrote. "I'm doing well, and I'm grateful for all of you."
Despite the setback, Richie returned to the stage for his June 30 concert in Pittsburgh and July 1 performance in Detroit, expressing his appreciation for fans who attended the shows.
"Pittsburgh and Detroit were an absolute joy," he wrote. "The energy, the dancing, the faces in the crowd... we made real memories together."
Looking ahead, the singer added, "Let's party all night long!," according to E! News.
Richie experienced the medical scare while performing his hit song 'Dancing on the Ceiling', the ninth song in his setlist during the June 24 concert in St. Paul.
Addressing the audience after feeling unwell, he said, "What I have learned from my years of being in the business, when you're feeling dizzy, sit your ass down. When you are feeling strange about yourself, sit your ass down."
Lightening the moment with humour, he added, "I want you to know that's the first time in the history of 'Dancing on the Ceiling' I've done it sitting down."
He then joked, "It's a bad sign. That's a bad sign, y'all," according to E! News.
Richie continued performing briefly before leaving the stage about 15 minutes later after singing The Commodores'1978 classic "Three Times a Lady."
Following a pause, saxophonist Dino Soldo informed the audience that the concert would not continue.
"Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well," Soldo announced. "He won't be able to continue with the show."
The health scare also forced Richie to postpone his June 26 concert in Chicago and his June 27 show in Columbus.
Announcing the postponements on June 25, Live Nation Chicago said, "Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his show on Friday, June 26, in Chicago, IL, and Saturday, June 27, in Columbus, OH," according to E! News.
The statement added, "Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans," according to E! News.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Respect for the man who handled a dizzy spell with such grace and humour — "first time in history I've done 'Dancing on the Ceiling' sitting down" — that's class! But honestly, at 77, maybe the tour schedule needs to be lighter. Health first, sir. We want you around for many more years.
Honestly, I'm a bit concerned. Dizzy spells at that age are no joke — could be dehydration, low BP, or something more serious. Good that he took a break and came back strong. But the industry needs to prioritize artist health over profits. Glad the Chicago and Columbus shows were postponed properly. Get well soon, Lionel! 🎶
"Three Times a Lady" was my parents' wedding song! Grew up listening to Lionel Richie on cassette tapes in the 90s. Seeing this news makes me nostalgic. Stay strong, sir — the world still loves your music! 🎵
I appreciate the transparency from Live Nation about the postponements — it shows they're taking his health seriously. But I hope the medical team does a full check-up before he resumes the tour. At 77, even a minor issue can escalate. Our desi elders always say "health is wealth" — and for a treasure like Lionel, it's especially true. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.