‘Heartbroken’ Lionel Richie postpones next show after being rushed to hospital

Lionel Richie has postponed his next two shows after falling ill and ‘swaying uncontrollably’ at a previous concert.

The 77-year-old was forced to bring the first gig of his new Sing A Song All Night Long tour to a halt at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Wednesday night.

Audience members reported Richie saying that he felt ‘dizzy’ and ‘strange’ while performing.

TMZ then revealed that he was taken to hospital by paramedics who met him backstage, with insiders saying this was a ‘precautionary measure’.

Now, however, it has been confirmed that Richie’s next performances have been postponed.

Posting a statement on social media on Thursday, United Center said: ‘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 & 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 apologize for any inconvenience this causes fans who have tickets for these two shows. Rescheduled dates will be announced soon.’

A video on social media from his performance on Wednesday shows Richie telling the crowd: ‘Now, what I have learned about my years of being in the business, when you are feeling dizzy, sit your a** down.

‘And when you are feeling strange about yourself, sit your a** down,’ he continued.

He also told the Minnesota Star Tribune that he’s never performed the song ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ while sitting.

The show was stopped approximately one hour into the performance. Saxophonist Dino Soldo later returned to the stage to announce that Richie was not feeling well and would not be able to continue.

Taking to social media, fans who attended the show shared their concerns for the singer.

One user, called Greg, wrote: ‘Hey now, our older, legendary performers are getting older, unfortunately. Sounds like he was just dehydrated, and the rider contract should always include 200 bottles of water.’

Sharon also added: ‘I saw him last year when he was touring with Earth Wind and Fire. Both did amazing concerts. Hopefully he’s going to be okay.’

Another clip posted to social media showed Richie appearing unsteady as he walked across the stage while singing Dancing On The Ceiling.

Despite appearing unwell, Richie continue to sing the song while being seated.