Lionel Richie Hospitalised Again for Heart Procedure as Three Shows Cancelled After Latest Health Scare

Lionel Richie is taking time away from performing after undergoing a procedure for atrial fibrillation, with three upcoming concerts alongside Earth, Wind & Fire postponed. An official update says the treatment went successfully, although replacement dates for the affected performances have yet to be announced.

The 77-year-old singer's latest health setback follows earlier interruptions to his performing schedule this summer. This time, the public statement identifies the condition being treated and offers reassurance about his recovery.

'Will Be Back on Stage Soon'

A health update published by the Schottenstein Center in Columbus describes Richie's treatment as a common procedure for atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, and says his doctor considered it successful.

'Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon,' the statement reads.

The notice does not identify the exact procedure or specify how long his recovery will take. It also gives no firm date for his return to performing.

Three Cities Face Another Wait

The affected concerts were scheduled for 26 September at Chase Center in San Francisco, 30 September at Chicago's United Center and 2 October at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio. All three venues now identify their respective performances as postponed.

Chicago's United Center says a new date will be announced and existing tickets will remain valid for the rearranged performance. The Columbus venue has issued the same guidance for its show. Neither notice currently supplies a replacement date.

For ticket holders, this is another change to an already revised itinerary. Ticket listings identify the San Francisco concert as rescheduled from 6 August, while Chicago and Columbus had originally been booked for 26 and 27 June, respectively.

The postponed performances form part of the Sing a Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. Richie's career honours include four Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. He also received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song that year.

Earlier Health Problems Interrupted the Tour

Richie cut short his 24 June performance in St Paul, Minnesota, after telling the audience he felt dizzy. The Chicago and Columbus concerts were subsequently postponed.

He was also hospitalised following his 29 August concert at The Muny in St Louis, a separate engagement from the tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. The current announcement does not establish whether those earlier episodes were connected to his AFib treatment.

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

The NHS describes atrial fibrillation as a heart rhythm problem in which the heartbeat is irregular. Symptoms can include palpitations, tiredness, breathlessness and dizziness, although some people experience no symptoms.

That general description does not establish which symptoms Richie experienced before his latest treatment. His published recovery statement provides no detailed medical history.

Richie's official website currently lists 14 October at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas as his next performance, followed by further October and November dates. That calendar entry remains a scheduled engagement rather than a separately confirmed medical clearance to return.

For now, fans awaiting the three postponed concerts have assurances about his recovery, but no replacement dates.