Lionel Richie has been released from a St. Louis hospital and is reportedly doing well at home in Los Angeles after a concerning incident during a recent concert.
The 77-year-old music icon checked himself into a medical facility on Saturday, one day after appearing to struggle through the closing moments of his performance in St. Louis, Missouri.
The singer underwent tests for potential cardiac-related issues during his hospital stay and was treated in the intensive care unit as doctors assessed his condition.
Singer appeared to struggle during ‘All Night Long’
Concern grew after footage emerged from Richie’s performance at The Muny in Forest Park.
During the final song, his signature hit All Night Long, Richie appeared short of breath at several points and seemed to have difficulty remaining on his feet.
A stagehand brought a piano bench onto the stage less than a minute after Richie returned for the song.
The singer subsequently gestured for it to be moved closer before sitting down and continuing the performance.
Richie continued singing from the bench
Despite appearing uncomfortable, Richie did not immediately abandon the performance.
He continued singing while seated, with his guitarist and bass player positioned beside him.
At one point, he attempted to involve the musicians in the vocals, while the audience could be heard helping with some of the lyrics.
Footage also appeared to show moments when Richie’s vocals dropped out amid the backing vocals, adding to concerns that he was struggling physically.
He eventually completed the song, raising his fists as it came to an end before standing and walking away from the audience.
He later turned around to say goodnight as footage from his earlier career played on the large screen behind him.
Hospital visit was reportedly precautionary
Reports said Richie went to hospital after the concert to undergo medical checks and was subsequently placed in the ICU.
Sources indicated that the decision to seek medical attention was made out of caution, with doctors reportedly considering dehydration as one possible explanation for what had happened.
Richie’s representatives have been approached for comment regarding his condition.
The incident echoes a June health scare
The latest episode is particularly concerning because it follows another on-stage health scare involving the singer earlier this year.
In June, Richie became unwell during a concert in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was forced to end the show prematurely.
During that performance, he reportedly told the audience he was feeling dizzy and repeatedly sat down while performing Dancing On The Ceiling.
His saxophonist, Dino Soldo, eventually informed the crowd that Richie would not be returning because he was not feeling well.
Reports later indicated that paramedics met the singer backstage and transported him to hospital by ambulance.
Fans have watched his health closely
Video from the Minnesota concert showed Richie continuing to sing while repeatedly sitting down during the performance.
The singer had previously joked about the importance of sitting down when feeling dizzy, but the repeated incidents have nevertheless prompted concern among fans and people close to him.
The latest St. Louis episode has intensified those concerns, particularly because Richie required hospital observation shortly after completing the show.
Loved ones reportedly want him to slow down
People close to Richie have previously expressed concerns about his demanding schedule and his determination to continue performing.
An insider said family members, friends and bandmates were worried about his health but recognised how deeply performing is connected to his identity.
Richie has remained active for decades, first becoming a major star with The Commodores before establishing an enormously successful solo career.
His 1983 album Can’t Slow Down remains one of the defining records of his career, while his television role on American Idol has kept him in the public eye.
Richie is reportedly eager to return
Despite the recent health concerns, sources said Richie remains focused on his fans and future performances.
The singer was reportedly more upset about disappointing concertgoers than about missing part of his own performance.
He has also been described as viewing the latest episode as a temporary setback while awaiting further medical answers.
His determination to return to the stage is consistent with his long-standing work ethic, although his recent health incidents could force changes to his touring plans depending on what doctors determine.
His next shows are already scheduled
Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire are scheduled to reunite for a three-date run later this month and in early October.
The planned shows are in San Francisco on September 26, Chicago on September 30 and Columbus, Ohio, on October 2.
Whether Richie will be fit to perform those dates will depend on his recovery and the results of his medical evaluations.
What’s next for Lionel Richie?
For now, Richie’s priority is recovering at home and receiving further medical guidance following his hospital stay.
The singer’s recent performances suggest that his health may need to take precedence over his desire to maintain a demanding touring schedule.
Fans will be watching closely for updates as Richie determines when, and under what circumstances, he can safely return to the stage.
Summary
Lionel Richie has been released from a St. Louis hospital after being admitted following a troubling concert performance.
The veteran singer appeared short of breath and struggled to remain standing while performing All Night Long, eventually sitting on a piano bench to finish the song.
He was later treated in intensive care and underwent tests for possible cardiac-related issues, with dehydration reportedly among the concerns being considered.
The incident follows a similar health scare in Minnesota in June, when Richie became dizzy and was forced to abandon a concert.
Despite the setbacks, the singer reportedly remains determined to return to performing once doctors give him the green light.
