When you think of a music legend like Lionel Richie, the last thing you’d expect to hear is that he’s performing through pain.
But that’s exactly what fans at London’s O2 Arena found out during the first of his two back-to-back shows.
The 75-year-old icon might still be dancing and smiling onstage, but he’s not hiding the physical toll those performances are taking anymore.
A Moment of Honesty from the Stage
While fans were soaking in the good vibes during his Say Hello to the Hits tour, Richie paused to get real for a moment.
“When you see me jumping and running, sliding, running up stairs, running down stairs,” he told the crowd, “I want you all to know one thing: I’m in pain.”
The crowd responded with love, admiration, and even more applause—proof that honesty from your heroes can make them even more beloved.
A Career Spanning Generations—and Still Going Strong
Lionel Richie isn’t just an entertainer—he’s a global force.
With over 125 million records sold worldwide, and timeless tracks like Hello, All Night Long, We Are The World, and Easy, he’s been part of people’s lives for nearly six decades.
From his early days with The Commodores to becoming a solo superstar and now a beloved judge on American Idol, Richie continues to reinvent himself.
Fans Can’t Stop Raving About His London Show
After his heartfelt confession, fans took to social media to share just how special the night had been. Comments flooded in with praise like:
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“It was a spectacular night, Lionel! You were fabulous.”
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“Your voice melts my heart—what a birthday treat!”
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“Even better than 20-something years ago!”
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“You’re the GOAT. I’m still pumped from tonight.”
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“Please come back soon. You’re TRULY AMAZING.”
Clearly, Richie left his audience buzzing with joy and admiration, pain or no pain.
A Memoir Is On the Way—And It’s Deeply Personal
But Richie’s big year doesn’t stop with live performances.
This September, he’s releasing a memoir titled Truly, which promises to be just as emotional and inspiring as his music.
According to publisher HarperOne, the book will offer a “deeply candid” look into his extraordinary journey—from shy college student at Alabama’s Tuskegee Institute to a music legend with Grammy, Golden Globe, and Oscar wins under his belt.
From Shy Outsider to Global Superstar
In the memoir, Richie will open up about struggling with ADHD, facing rejection, and finding his voice—literally and figuratively.
He’ll reflect on how he rose to fame during a time of cultural change in America, as well as how he managed to stay relevant in an industry that’s constantly shifting.
Fans can expect heartfelt stories about his time with The Commodores, his solo superstardom, and even his turn as a judge on American Idol.
Heartbreak, Healing, and Resilience
The book won’t shy away from the hard stuff either.
Richie will explore what he calls his “darkest period”—a painful stretch marked by his father’s death, two divorces, and a vocal cord injury that nearly ended his career.
But in true Richie fashion, the story doesn’t end in defeat.
Instead, it’s about resilience, faith, and a powerful comeback that saw him soaring again.
A Story of Unity and Love
At the heart of his story is a message about unity and love.
“I travel the world, and all people really want to hear is, ‘I love you,’” Richie says in the book.
“The day we realize we come as different tribes, but we all represent the global family of mankind—that’s when we’ll be united.”
Mark Your Calendar: The Memoir Drops This Fall
Truly will hit shelves on September 30, 2025, and it’s already available for pre-order.
If you’ve ever found yourself humming one of his songs during a quiet moment or belting out All Night Long at a party, this memoir might just be your next must-read.