77-Year-Old Lionel Richie Cuts Concert Short After Falling Ill Onstage

Music legend Lionel Richie was forced to cut the opening night of his latest tour short after falling ill onstage.

In the middle of his St. Paul, Minnesota concert on Thursday, 77-year-old Richie told the crowd that he was feeling dizzy and sat down.

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

Watch the moment here:

Despite not feeling well, Richie remained in good spirits.

He continued the performance sitting down on stage.

TMZ provided some more footage from the concert:

Lionel Richie was rushed to a hospital after falling ill onstage Wednesday night in the middle of his concert, TMZ has learned 🙏 pic.twitter.com/WDRh7ZmWsR

— TMZ (@TMZ) June 25, 2026

However, Richie later stepped offstage for what was supposed to be a short break.

He did not return, and instead was transported to the hospital out of an abundance of caution.

Fox News reported:

In a fan video, Richie reportedly transitioned to the piano, where he delivered a seated performance of “Three Times a Lady.” Shortly afterward, he stepped away for what audience members initially believed would be a brief intermission.

Fans waited nearly 40 additional minutes before receiving an official update, according to the media outlet.

Richie’s saxophonist addressed the audience, thanking concertgoers for their patience before explaining that the singer was feeling unwell and would not be able to continue the show.

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The concert interruption came after Richie shared his excitement on social media ahead of the tour kickoff.

“Opening night. Rehearsals. Sound check. Showtime tonight. Saint Paul, you’re up!!!” Richie wrote on Instagram alongside photos from backstage and rehearsals.

Thankfully, the illness doesn’t appear to be serious.

People shared a statement from his band’s drummer:

Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris later told the Star Tribune that Richie showed no signs of ill health beforehand, and simply explained that he was “a little dehydrated.”

TMZ reports Richie was met by paramedics backstage and transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure.

It’s unclear whether or not Lionel Richie will continue his tour as planned.

But, judging by his previous comments on potential retirement, it’s likely he will press on.

Page Six noted:

Despite Thursday’s setback, the Grammy winner has long maintained that retirement is not on his radar.

Richie has continued to perform in recent years and previously said he has no plans to step away from the stage.

“They’re gonna have to carry me out, babe,” he told Rolling Stone in 2020.

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“Someone asked me years ago, ‘When do you plan on retiring?’ And I said, ‘From what?’ I’ve never had a job. People who work want to retire.”

At the time, Richie said he still felt like a 19-year-old and was enjoying the “fun and adventure” that comes with life on the road.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a rockstar in his golden years suffer from a health issue in the middle of his concert…

Just last week, Rod Stewart was forced to pause his concert to use an oxygen tank onstage:

81-Year-Old Rock Legend Rod Stewart Forced to Pause Concert to Use Oxygen Tank

What's your take on this?

Should musicians like Lionel Richie and Rod Stewart consider retiring?