Lionel Richie Halts Minnesota Concert Early Due to Illness

Sudden Stop

Lionel Richie Cuts Minnesota Set Short After Falling Ill On Stage

The musician kicked off his joint tour with Earth, Wind & Fire in St. Paul on Wednesday night

By Emily Zemler

Emily Zemler

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June 25, 2026

Lionel Richie ended his set at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, early after falling ill. The musician announced an unexpected intermission about 55 minutes into the performance, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune .

Richie, 77, explained to the audience that he was feeling dizzy and that’s why he had performed his hit “Dancing on the Ceiling” while seated on the stage. “When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your ass down,” he said.

After performing “Three Times a Lady” at the piano, Richie called for an intermission and left the stage. His band remained for another 15 minutes before also exiting. Forty minutes later, around 10:50 p.m., saxophonist Dino Soldo emerged and thanked the audience for their patience. “Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” he said. “He won’t be able to continue. Additional information will be available.”

The performance marked the opening night of Richie’s joint tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. Earth, Wind & Fire’s drummer, John Paris, told the Minnesota Star Tribune that Richie hadn’t shown any signs of illness before the show.

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_Originally reported by [Rolling Stone](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lionel-richie-minnesota-show-ill-on-stage-1235583728/)._