Lionel Richie, 77, Ends Minnesota Concert Early Following Health Scare on Stage

Grammy-award winning musician Lionel Richie cut the opening night of his latest concert tour short, after experiencing dizziness during a performance in Minnesota.

The 77-year-old took the stage at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul on June 24, when he appeared to become unwell during a performance of “Dancing on the Ceiling,” before taking a seat, according to video of the performance.

The concert, which was the first leg of Richie’s joint tour with Earth, Wind & Fire, was paused, as he told attendees that he was feeling dizzy. The singer attempted to continue his performance, later moving to the piano for another song before an unscheduled break was announced.

“What I have learned about my years of being in the business, when you are feeling dizzy, sit yo [expletive] down,” he told concert goers. “When you are feeling strange about yourself, sit yo [expletive] down.”

“Now, 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 continued. “That’s a bad sign, that’s a bad sign, y’all.”

After an extended intermission, a member of Richie’s touring band informed the audience that the singer would not be returning to the stage, thanking fans for their “patience and understanding,” before wishing everyone “safe travels home.”

Following the incident, Richie was evaluated backstage by paramedics before being transported to a nearby hospital for precautionary measures, according to TMZ. His exact condition remains unknown, as well as whether it will affect upcoming tour dates.

Speaking to the Minnesota Star Tribune following the concert, Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris said the singer appeared to be in normal spirits throughout the evening and did not seem to have any health issues prior to the performance. He added that dehydration could be a contributing factor to the incident.

The Epoch Times reached out to Richie’s representatives for further comment on the matter, but did not hear back by publication time.

Richie’s onstage medical episode comes nearly a week after fellow musician Rod Stewart, 81, experienced a health scare of his own during a concert in Utah.

The British singer-songwriter paused his June 19 performance at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater in West Valley City, after nearly fainting on stage.

In circulating video footage, crew members can be seen quickly rushing to his aid and bringing the musician an oxygen tank. After receiving medical attention, Stewart addressed the crowd telling the audience that he had “nearly passed out,” before performing the remainder of his show while seated.