Lionel Richie takes ill, cuts opening concert of tour short

MINNEAPOLIS — About 55 minutes into his performance Wednesday at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Lionel Richie announced an unexpected intermission.

Moments earlier, he had told the 10,000 fans that he was feeling dizzy and feeling strange and that’s why he’d performed “Dancing on the Ceiling,” one of his most energetic hits, while sitting on a step on the stage. He said he’d never done that song sitting.

“When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your ass down,” he said.

So the 77-year-old sat down at a grand piano for the ensuing “Three Times a Lady,” one of the many hit ballads in his repertoire.

Then he proclaimed a surprise “intermission” and exited the stage through a giant screen that spelled out LIONEL.

Richie’s five band members remained onstage in their positions for about 15 minutes and then departed without a word. Meanwhile, recorded music was broadcast over the sound system at a soft volume.

This was the opening night of the Sing a Song All Night Long Tour featuring Earth, Wind & Fire and Richie. They have toured together before, playing in St. Paul three years ago.

Frustrated that there was no announcement, concertgoers began to depart after the band did. Then, at 10:50 p.m., or 40 minutes after Richie had called for intermission, saxophonist Dino Soldo went onstage and thanked the audience for their patience.

“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” said the sideman who’d sat with Richie during “Dancing on the Ceiling.” “He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”

Kristine Donatelle of Minneapolis was impressed by Richie’s abbreviated performance.

“I’m grateful for what he was able to do at age 77,” she said. “I wasn’t surprised he had to sit. Rod Stewart did that recently and he did that with oxygen.”

Earth, Wind & Fire kicked off Wednesday’s program with a musically rich, crowd-pleasing 50 minutes. Richie, the “American Idol” judge, was expected to perform for 90 minutes.

Once he took the stage, Richie’s voice was not as smooth as it had been at his last Twin Cities performance in St. Paul in 2023, and he often turned to the fans on Wednesday to sing choruses on his hits.

The singer, dressed in leather pants and jacket, was sweating noticeably, frequently toweling his face.

After the Richie announcement, Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris told the Minnesota Star Tribune that there had not been any preshow indication of any issues with Richie.

“He’s a little dehydrated,” Paris said, though he didn’t know his official health status.

The tour’s next show is Friday in Chicago.