Lionel Richie postpones tour after undergoing heart procedure during third hospitalisation in three months
Lionel Richie has postponed his upcoming tour dates as he recovers from treatment for a heart issue, marking his third time in hospital since June.
The All Night Long singer, 77, “underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation”, his representative said in a statement.
Richie’s health has been of concern in recent months, with a couple of hospitalisations after struggling through shows. Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Lionel Richie
“The doctor said everything went perfectly. Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon,” they added.
The next three performances of his Sing a Song All Night Long Tour with Earth, Wind & Fire have been postponed, but an upcoming Las Vegas residency in October is currently still scheduled to go ahead.
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm, according to the Mayo Clinic.
It comes after a number of health concerns for Richie.
In June, he was forced to postpone two shows after falling ill on the opening night of his tour.
The singer took several breaks throughout his upbeat hit Dancing on the Ceiling, and even sat down on the stage at one point.
“What I have learned from my years of being in the business, when you’re feeling dizzy, sit your arse down,” he told the crowd.
Richie continued for one more song before leaving the stage for an unplanned intermission, which he never returned from.
He was taken to hospital as a precaution.
He thanked his fans for their support after returning to the stage in July.
Hours before his August hospitalisation Richie called for a chair to sit down while performing. TikTok/@lauraslifeadventure
“Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you.”
In late August, he again checked himself into hospital following a concert in St Louis, Missouri.
Initial reports were that Richie was being looked after for dehydration, but an update revealed he was undergoing testing for cardiac issues.
