Lionel Richie hospitalized after St Louis concert amid health scare
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI: Lionel Richie is facing a health setback after checking himself into the ICU as a precaution shortly after performing in St. Louis on Saturday, August 29.
The 77-year-old Grammy winner is currently on his 'Sing a Song All Night Long' tour with 'Earth, Wind & Fire.' TMZ was first to report his hospitalization, though representatives for Richie did not immediately provide a reason for the hospital visit.
Lionel Richie checks into ICU after St Louis concert
Richie performed at The Muny in St. Louis on August 29 and, according to TMZ, asked his team to bring him a chair while performing his final song, 'All Night Long.' Shortly afterward, he checked himself into the ICU out of caution.
He is next scheduled to perform on September 26 in San Francisco. The hospitalization comes after he previously cut a concert short in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 24 after falling ill onstage.
The singer was performing 'Dancing on the Ceiling' at Grand Casino Arena when he took a seat on a platform and told the crowd he was feeling dizzy. He also joked that he had never previously performed the song while sitting.
'When you’re feeling dizzy, sit yourself down,' Richie joked before sitting at a piano to perform 'Three Times a Lady' and then taking an impromptu intermission, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. His five band members remained onstage for about 15 minutes before leaving as recorded music played.
About 40 minutes into the intermission, his saxophonist, Dino Soldo, thanked the audience for their patience and explained that Richie was feeling unwell and would not be able to continue the concert. Videos from the show, including footage shared by Star Tribune music critic Jon Bream, showed Richie taking a seat and circulated on X.
Before the St. Paul show, he had also shared photos from the concert on Instagram with the caption, 'Opening night. Rehearsals. Sound check. Showtime tonight. Saint Paul, you're up!!!'
Lionel Richie previously ended Minnesota concert early
Richie's St. Paul concert was supposed to last 90 minutes but ended after about 55 minutes. TMZ reported that Richie was met by paramedics backstage and transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure.
'Earth, Wind & Fire drummer' John Paris later told the Star Tribune that Richie had shown no signs of ill health beforehand and simply explained that he was 'a little dehydrated.' Following the June incident, Richie postponed two shows in the immediate aftermath after his doctors advised him to 'rest and return to full health.'
He returned to the stage on June 30 and joked with the crowd, "had you worried there for a minute, huh?," according to TribLive and added, "You have no idea what I have been through in the last 24 hours, listening to my friends tell me their advice on what I should be doing."
Richie later assured fans that he was "doing well" in an Instagram post on July 4. "Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love. I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you," he captioned the post.
He continued, "Pittsburgh and Detroit were an absolute joy. The energy, the dancing, the faces in the crowd… we made real memories together. See you in Toronto... let’s party all night long!"
Lionel Richie continues 'Sing a Song All Night Long' tour
The 'Sing a Song All Night Long' tour with 'Earth, Wind & Fire' marks their third run of shows together after they previously brought the tour to the US and Canada in 2023 and 2024. The initial run included a postponed show at New York City’s Madison Square Garden after weather conditions meant Richie could not make it to the venue in time.
Richie is next scheduled to perform on September 26 in San Francisco. His current health status and whether the hospitalization will affect that performance have not been officially confirmed.
