Lionel Richie Postpones Shows After Falling Ill At Tour Opener With Earth, Wind & Fire

Lionel Richie has been forced to postpone the next two shows of his Sing A Song All Night Long Tour with Earth, Wind & Fire under doctor’s advice to rest after getting sick at the tour opener. New dates for the concerts originally scheduled for tonight (Friday, June 26) in Chicago and tomorrow (Saturday, June 27) in Columbus will be announced soon.

Live Nation Chicago confirmed the pause in the tour with a statement on Instagram. “Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his next two shows,” the post began. “Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes fans who have tickets for these two shows.”

Richie cut his set short on Wednesday, June 25 at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota after becoming ill. The show marked the opening night of the tour.

Lionel was performing “Dancing On The Ceiling” about an hour into his performance in St. Paul when he sat on a platform and told the crowd that he was feeling dizzy, according to a Minnesota Star Tribune report.

“When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your ass down,” Richie said. The 77-year-old then sat a piano to perform “Three Times A Lady” before announcing a surprise “intermission.” He was unable to return, with Lionel Richie band member Dino Soldo emerging 40 minutes later to thank the crowd for their patience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8wFbw0mUyg

“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” the saxophonist said. “He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”

The Sing A Song All Night Long Tour is expected to resume on Tuesday, June 30 at PPG Paints Arena. Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire will be on the road together through August 14.