Lionel Richie on Wednesday cut short the first show on his tour with Earth, Wind & Fire, repeatedly sitting down on stage and acknowledging that he was “feeling dizzy” before walking off altogether.
“Now, what I have learned about my years of being in the business, when you are feeling dizzy, sit your ass down,” Richie joked in footage shared on social media. “And when you are feeling strange about yourself … sit your ass down!”
The line resulted in widespread laughter among the crowd at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Representatives for the 77-year-old Grammy winner did not immediately respond to JS’s request for comment.
Richie was in the middle of performing his multiplatinum 1986 hit “Dancing on the Ceiling” when he suddenly sat down while still singing the tune, stood back up, walked a few steps and sat back down again. After getting back up, he admitted to “feeling dizzy.”
Richie then sat down at the piano to perform one of his best-known songs, “Three Times a Lady,” only to call for an intermission and walk off. His band reportedly waited on stage for 15 minutes before following suit, with 40 more minutes elapsing until fans got some answers.
“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” saxophonist Dino Soldo told the crowd after coming back on stage. “He won’t be able to continue with the show, and additional information will be available. Thank you for your patience and your understanding. It’s been amazing.”
He continued, “Safe travels back home, everyone. Thank you so much.”
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Richie has not addressed the incident on his social media platforms. He is scheduled back on stage Friday at the United Center in Chicago and two dozen other shows in the “Sing A Song All Night Long Tour.”
Hours before Wednesday’s performance, Richie published behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram of his rehearsal and soundcheck for the show, writing, “Opening night. Rehearsals. Sound check. Showtime tonight. Saint Paul, you’re up!!!”