Lionel Richie postpones shows on ‘doctors’ advice’ after being taken to hospital

By Casey Cooper-Fiske, Press Association Senior Entertainment Reporter

Singer Lionel Richie has postponed a number of shows on “doctors’ advice” after he was reportedly taken to hospital following a show.

The 77-year-old cut short a concert in St Paul, Minnesota, on Wednesday according to reports in the US media, after he began to feel ill.

Now a statement from Chicago’s United Centre, where he was due to perform with funk band Earth, Wind And Fire on Friday, has confirmed the performance has been postponed along with a number of other dates.

The statement, posted to Instagram, read: “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 And Fire will return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30 in Pittsburgh, PA.

“Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes fans who have tickets for these two shows.

“Rescheduled dates will be announced soon.”

No further details on potential refunds have been announced.

The American singer is not scheduled to perform in Ireland this year.

Having began his career as a member of funk pop band The Commodores, Richie has achieved eight UK top 10 singles as a solo artist including a number one in Hello, he has also scored three UK number one albums.

Richie’s other well-known songs include All Night Long (All Night), Dancing On The Ceiling and My Destiny, while with The Commodores he featured on songs such as Easy and Three Times A Lady.