Richie's Post-Hospital Dizzy Spell
Lionel Richie Returns to Stage After Medical Emergency, Experiencing Dizziness Mid-Show
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Lionel Richie, 77, returned to the stage in Pittsburgh on June 30 after a medical scare cut short his tour opener just six days earlier. He performed classics like "Hello" and "Running with the Night" at PPG Paints Arena, telling the crowd: "You have no idea what I have been through in the last 24 hours," according to ArcaMax.
The "Sing a Song All Night Long" co-headlining tour with Earth, Wind & Fire had barely started before Richie's health forced two postponements. His exact condition has not been officially named, though representatives pointed to dehydration as the primary cause, KMPH reported.
Tour Opener in Minnesota Ends Abruptly Mid-Set
On June 24, Richie opened the 26-city tour at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota. About 45 to 60 minutes into the show, he faltered during "Dancing on the Ceiling" and sat down on a stage platform. He then performed "Three Times a Lady" seated at a piano, told fans he felt "dizzy" and "strange," and called for an intermission — but never came back, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Saxophonist Dino Soldo delivered the news: "Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well. He won't be able to continue." Richie was transported to a local hospital as a precautionary measure. Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris told reporters Richie seemed "a little dehydrated" but was in high spirits before showtime, KOMO News reported.
Two Shows Postponed as Richie Spends Days Recovering
Live Nation and the United Center in Chicago issued statements on June 26 postponing both the Chicago and Columbus shows. The official reason: doctor's orders to "rest and return to full health." Fans in those two cities still await rescheduled dates, Fox 17 reported.
On June 29, Richie's ex-wife Brenda Harvey posted on X: "Lionel is OK and will be back on the stage." His hospitalization lasted less than 24 hours. The recovery period is believed to have included cardiovascular testing, though no specific diagnosis beyond dehydration was confirmed, according to The Mirror.
Richie Jokes About Dizziness at Pittsburgh Comeback Show
Richie addressed the Pittsburgh crowd with characteristic humor on June 30. "When you're feeling dizzy, sit your ass down," he told fans — framing the scare as a lesson rather than a crisis. The self-deprecating tone helped shift the story from health alarm to relatable moment for a 77-year-old legend, Parade noted.
The Pittsburgh performance was considered a full return, with Richie completing a setlist of roughly 20 songs running 90 to 105 minutes. The incident drew comparisons to on-stage health scares involving Carlos Santana in 2022, who also cited heat exhaustion and dehydration, according to OK! Magazine.
21 Dates Remain as Tour Heads to Canada
With 21 shows still on the schedule through August 14, questions linger about whether Richie will adjust his stage routine. Analysts expect more seated piano segments — a strategy used by aging performers like Billy Joel — to reduce physical strain. The next major test comes July 4 in Toronto, Global News reported.
Richie has sold more than 125 million albums worldwide over a career spanning five decades, according to The Mirror. The stakes for completing this tour are high — not just financially, but for his legacy as a performer still capable of commanding sold-out arenas well into his late 70s.
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