Lionel Richie cut short the opening night of his latest tour after falling ill on Wednesday night.
The 77-year-old took to the stage at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota for the opening night of the Sing a Song All Night Long Tour, but abruptly abandoned the show after 55 minutes.
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, the Hello singer sat down on a step onstage multiple times while performing his big hit, Dancing on the Ceiling, and told the audience he wasn’t feeling well.
“When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your a*s down,” he said.
Richie then sat down at the piano to perform his ballad Three Times a Lady before announcing an unplanned intermission.
His band stayed onstage for around 15 minutes before leaving too, reports the outlet. His saxophonist, Dino Soldo, returned about 40 minutes later and thanked the crowd for their patience before announcing that the show was over.
“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” he said. “He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”
The All Night Long crooner took to the stage after co-headliners Earth, Wind & Fire.
Their drummer told the publication that Richie didn’t seem to have any issues before the show.
“He’s a little dehydrated,” Paris speculated.
Richie has yet to address the incident.
Before the show, he posted backstage snaps and thanked his band and crew “for all the hard work, dedication, and long hours getting us ready for this tour”.
The Sing a Song All Night Long Tour, a 26-date trek, is expected to run until 14 August. Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire are next slated to perform in Chicago on Friday.
