Lionel Richie Undergoes Heart Procedure and Cancels Three Upcoming Shows

Lionel Richie has undergone a procedure to correct his atrial fibrillation following the postponement of multiple shows on his headlining tour with Earth, Wind & Fire.

“The doctor said everything went perfectly,” a representative for Richie told Billboard in a statement. “Lionel is doing great, but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.”

Atrial fibrillation is an erratic heartbeat often caused by inefficient blood flow that can cause dizziness and fatigue. It is usually treated through cardiac ablation or a pacemaker. The representative declined to give further details, leaving it unclear what exact treatment Richie received or when his procedure occurred.

Richie experienced heart issues off and on since the arena tour began June 24 at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minn. While performing his 1980s hit “Dancin’ on the Ceiling,” Richie told the audience he felt shaky and sat down. “When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your ass down,” he said. He took an unscheduled intermission and did not return to the stage.

He postponed his next two shows in Chicago and Columbus, Ohio, under doctor’s orders to rest. Richie subsequently returned to the tour and made light of the incident as part of his act while taking breaks to hydrate and drink electrolytes.

Following his Aug. 29 concert in St. Louis, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee checked himself into a local hospital for tests. Richie struggled at times during the high-energy show and asked for a chair during the concert closer, “All Night Long,” according to TMZ.

Richie canceled his next three scheduled shows while recuperating: San Francisco on Sept. 26, Chicago on Sept. 30, and Columbus, Ohio, on Oct. 2. The Chicago and Columbus dates were previously rescheduled from earlier postponements. His next scheduled concerts comprise a six-show residency at Las Vegas’ Encore Theater at the Wynn beginning Oct. 14.

Earth, Wind & Fire, Richie’s tour mates, also experienced health issues when drummer John Paris suffered a heart attack in early August and was hospitalized.