Lionel Richie’s Minnesota tour opener with Earth, Wind & Fire ended early after he experienced dizziness, left the stage mid-set, and did not return. The 77-year-old singer later performed seated for part of the show, while Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Pari
Lionel Richie didn’t make it through the full set at his Minnesota tour opener.
The 77-year-old Grammy-winning singer. performing on his Sing a Song All Night Long Tour with Earth. Wind & Fire. was on stage in St. Paul, Minnesota, performing “Dancing on the Ceiling” while sitting on a step. Later. he addressed the crowd after admitting he’d had a “dizzy” spell. telling the audience. “When you’re feeling dizzy. sit your ass down. ” and acknowledging he’d never performed the 1986 hit seated. He then went into “Three Times a Lady” while sitting at a grand piano.
Sometime just over halfway through his set, Richie announced an “intermission,” and he didn’t return. Just after the break—about 15 minutes later—his band also left. After nearly 25 more minutes with no update. saxophonist Dino Soldo appeared on stage to deliver the news: “unfortunately. Lionel is not feeling well. He won’t be able to continue.”.
The Star Tribune reported that Richie was wearing leather pants and a leather jacket and was noticeably sweating during his 55 minutes on stage. Earth. Wind & Fire drummer John Paris told the outlet the singer was “a little dehydrated” but said he did not know Richie’s health status. Richie has not spoken publicly about the abbreviated show.
The focus now shifts to what comes next on the tour schedule. Richie is expected to perform in Chicago on Friday and in Columbus, Ohio, the day after.
The Minnesota disruption landed only days after another major name in pop raised concerns over his health on stage. Rod Stewart. during a June 19 concert as part of his One Last Time Tour. was seen leaning on musical instruments before turning to crew members. who brought out an oxygen tank and mask on stage. according to concert footage obtained by TMZ. After breathing in deeply. Stewart returned to the audience and admitted he “nearly fainted up here. ” likely in part due to the Utah venue’s high-altitude.
Richie’s show cut short in Minnesota has yet to be met with an explanation from his side. but the timeline described by those present—dizziness. an announced intermission. a disappearance from the stage. and a final on-stage message—left the audience waiting longer than they expected before the full reason was made clear.
Lionel Richie Earth Wind & Fire Minnesota concert dizziness tour Sing a Song All Night Long Tour Rod Stewart dehydration Dino Soldo John Paris St. Paul