Lionel Richie Suffers Unexpected Health Scare Onstage, Leaves Mid-Show During Opening Night of Tour

Lionel Richie‘s opening night of his Sing A Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind & Fire did not go to plan.

On Wednesday, June 24, the singer-songwriter, 77, kicked off the tour with a stop at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, but couldn’t finish the show due to a health issue.

While singing his 1986 upbeat track “Dancing on the Ceiling,” the American Idol judge had to sit down during his performance.

“Now what I have learned about my years of being in the business is when you are feeling dizzy, sit your [expletive] down,” he told the crowd after the song, according to videos shared on X. “If you are feeling strange about yourself, sit your [expletive] down.”

“Now, I want you to know that’s the first in the history of ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ I’ve done it sitting down,” he added before admitting “it’s a bad sign.”

According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Richie went on to sit at the piano for “Three Times a Lady” but then, about 55 minutes into his set, announced there would be a surprise “intermission” and left the stage.

About 40 minutes after the former Commodores lead singer exited, his saxophonist, Dino Soldo, made a disappointing announcement to fans.

“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” he told the audience per the outlet. “He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”

Earlier in the day, Richie shared some backstage snaps on Instagram while preparing for the show, in which he appeared healthy.

“Opening night. 🚀 Rehearsals. Sound check. Showtime tonight.📍Saint Paul, you’re up!!!” Richie captioned the post.

The Grammy-winning artist, who had celebrated his birthday on June 20, also posted a video on Instagram of his crew surprising him with a candle in a tub of ice cream and a cake that day.

“A perfect way to start the tour!! 🤣,” he captioned the video. “Feeling grateful!! See you tonight, Saint Paul, MN. 🫶.”