Lionel Richie remains in hospital undergoing tests for possible cardiac-related problems after appearing short of breath and unable to stand during the final song of his concert in St Louis, Missouri.
The 77-year-old singer returned to the stage at The Muny in Forest Park on Saturday, August 29, to perform All Night Long. Footage from the show appears to show him struggling to sing at points before sitting on a piano bench for the remainder of the number.
Within half a minute of Richie beginning the song, a stagehand brought a bench on to the stage. The singer then gestured for it to be moved closer, before taking a seat and continuing the performance.
Richie, dressed in black with a red leather jacket bearing the words “All Night Long”, appeared to lose his breath during parts of the song. His vocals dropped out briefly as backing singers continued, while the audience could be heard filling in some of the lyrics.
He also appeared to offer the microphone to members of his band, apparently inviting them to sing, although neither took over the lead vocal. Richie remained seated as the musicians moved back to their positions and later stood to pump his fists as the song ended.
Afterwards, he walked away from the audience before turning back to say goodnight, with earlier footage of the star playing on the large screen behind him.
Lionel Richie remains in hospital after St Louis concert
Richie checked himself into a local hospital after the performance to undergo medical tests, according to TMZ. The entertainment website initially reported that doctors were considering possible mild dehydration, but said on Tuesday that he was being tested for cardiac-related issues.
He was reportedly being treated in an intensive care unit and was expected to be released on Wednesday. Richie’s representatives have not publicly commented on his condition.
The Muny had announced the concert as a one-night summer finale at its outdoor venue in Forest Park. The organisation said before the event that Richie was to perform a selection of his best-known songs, including Hello, Say You, Say Me and All Night Long.
The hospital stay comes two months after Richie fell ill during a concert in St Paul, Minnesota, at the opening night of his joint Sing A Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind & Fire.
During that performance on June 24, he told the audience he felt dizzy and strange before sitting down during Dancing on the Ceiling. He later announced an unscheduled intermission, saying he needed to leave the stage so he would not fall over.
A band member subsequently told the crowd that Richie was not feeling well and would not return. His following shows in Chicago and Columbus, Ohio, were postponed on doctors’ advice.
Richie is currently due to resume touring on September 26 in San Francisco, according to TMZ. No announcement has been made about whether his hospitalisation will affect that performance or the other dates planned with Earth, Wind & Fire.
