Fans of music legend Lionel Richie are growing concerned for his health after the star abruptly ended the opening night of his tour in Minnesota, ABC News reported. The 77-year-old singer was forced to stop partway through what was meant to be a celebratory return to the stage.
The trouble became visible as the set went on. Videos shared online captured Richie about an hour into his performance, during the song Dancing on the Ceiling, when he was seen taking breaks to sit down rather than carry on through the number.
He was candid with the audience about what was happening. Moments later, Richie told the crowd that he felt dizzy, joking that after his many years in the business he had learned that when you feel dizzy, you sit down.
He tried to push through the spell. The 77-year-old went on to perform another song before the show paused for an impromptu intermission, as those around him assessed whether he could continue.
Ultimately, the decision was taken out of his hands. Shortly after the break, his saxophonist stepped up to tell the crowd that Richie was unable to continue, bringing the opening night to an early close.
Those in the audience credited the singer for his openness. One concertgoer praised Richie for being fully transparent with the crowd throughout the night, saying it became clear as the evening went on that he was having a hard time.
The fallout reached the next stop on the tour. Overnight, the United Center in Chicago announced that Richie's upcoming show at the venue would be postponed, as attention turned to the veteran performer's recovery.