Lionel Richie returned to the stage on Tuesday night in Pittsburgh, a week after being rushed to hospital mid-performance in Minnesota. The 77-year-old singer addressed the crowd at PPG Paints Arena, saying: "I had you worried there for a minute, huh?"
Ignored Medical Advice
Richie also suggested he disregarded advice from friends about resting. "You have no idea what I have been through in the last 24 hours, listening to my friends tell me their advice on what I should be doing," he told the audience.
A source told the Daily Mail that family, friends, and bandmates were "concerned" about Richie's health but reluctant to tell him to slow down. The source added: "Right now, Lionel is actually more upset that fans didn't get the full show they paid for than he is about himself and his health. He hates disappointing people."
Hospitalisation and Tour Postponement
Richie fell dizzy while performing at the Grand Casino in Minnesota on the first night of his tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. Saxophonist Dino Soldo told the audience: "Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well. He won't be able to continue." Richie was taken by ambulance to hospital as a precaution.
A statement later announced the postponement of two shows: "Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his next two shows on Friday, June 26 in Chicago, IL and Saturday, June 27 in Columbus, OH. He and Earth, Wind & Fire will return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30 in Pittsburgh, PA." The statement described Richie as "heartbroken" to postpone the shows and apologised for inconvenience. Rescheduled dates were promised soon.
Ex-Wife's Update and Tour Plans
Richie's ex-wife, Brenda Harvey, whom he was married to for 18 years before divorcing in 1993, updated fans on X: "Thanking everyone for their concern! Lionel is OK and will be back on the stage."
The tour with Earth, Wind & Fire is set to continue across 26 cities throughout the summer, including a UK stop on August 20 at Sandringham House.
