Lionel Richie tried to push through. His body told him no.
About 55 minutes into his opening night set at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, the 77-year-old told the crowd of 10,000 that he was feeling dizzy and couldn’t stay on his feet. Fan-filmed footage shows Richie sitting down on a step mid-performance during “Dancing on the Ceiling,” one of his most high-energy songs, trying to walk it off, and then sitting again.
“When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your ass down,” he told the audience. He admitted it was the first time he’d ever performed the 1986 hit while seated. Even when his legs weren’t cooperating, Richie was still performing live and still trying to make the crowd smile. That says everything about the man.
He then moved to a grand piano and performed “Three Times a Lady” before announcing an unexpected intermission and leaving the stage. He didn’t come back.
The Crowd Waited 40 Minutes Before Getting the News
Richie’s five band members stayed on stage in their positions for about 15 minutes before also quietly exiting. Concertgoers sat with no announcement and no update. Some started leaving.
Forty minutes after Richie called the intermission, saxophonist Dino Soldo walked out and addressed the crowd. “Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” Soldo said. “He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”
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For You
Earth, Wind, and Fire drummer John Paris told the Minnesota Star Tribune that there had been no signs of illness before the show. “He’s a little dehydrated,” Paris said, though he didn’t know Richie’s official health status.
The concert was the opening night of Richie’s joint Sing a Song All Night Long Tour with Earth, Wind and Fire, a 26-date run that includes stops at Madison Square Garden in New York and Intuit Dome in Los Angeles before wrapping at Moody Center in Austin on August 14.
Country music fans know Richie best as the American Idol judge who has sat alongside Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan for the past several seasons, including Season 24, where Hannah Harper took the crown just six weeks ago. He’s been one of the warmest presences on that show, and the outpouring from fans on social media Wednesday night reflected how much people genuinely care about him beyond the music.
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Just one day before the show, Richie had posted on his Instagram Stories thanking his band and crew. “It takes an incredible team behind the scenes to make it all happen, and I’m grateful for each and every one of you.” His team had also surprised him with cakes for his 77th birthday before the St. Paul date.
There’s been no official update on Richie’s condition or whether upcoming tour dates will be affected. The next scheduled show is Friday in Chicago.
Whatever is going on, 77 years old and still trying to sing “Dancing on the Ceiling” for 10,000 people even after his body said stop is about as Lionel Richie as it gets. Here’s hoping the next update is a good one.
