Lionel Richie to take time off after heart procedure
Lionel Richie to take time off after heart procedure

Singer Lionel Richie “will take some time off” following a medical procedure for a heart condition, his representative has said.

The 77-year-old, best known for his songs Hello and All Night Long (All Night), underwent a “common procedure” for atrial fibrillation (AFib), which the NHS says causes the heart to beat irregularly.

Procedure went ‘perfectly’

A statement shared by his representative said: “Lionel underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation (AFib).

“The doctor said everything went perfectly.

“Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.”

Tour and residency schedule

The American singer postponed two Sing A Song All Night Long Tour shows over the summer after he was forced to cut the opening night of the tour short due to illness.

He was due to perform with Earth Wind And Fire as part of their Sing A Song All Night Long tour on Saturday in San Francisco and in Chicago next week.

Richie is also scheduled to perform a Las Vegas residency titled King Of Hearts in October and November, followed by a show in Sao Paulo in December.

Career highlights

The singer began his career as a member of funk pop band The Commodores.

He has achieved eight UK top 10 singles as a solo artist, including a number one with Hello, and has had three UK number one albums.

Richie’s other well-known songs include Dancing On The Ceiling and My Destiny, while with The Commodores he released hits including Easy and Three Times A Lady.