US singer-songwriter Lionel Richie attends the 12th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California on April 18, 2026. (Photo by LISA O'CONNOR / AFP via Getty Images)
Lionel Richie recently canceled several concert dates with Earth, Wind & Fire. The former Commodores singer reportedly had a heart procedure known as atrial fibrillation this week.
Lionel Richie canceled three concert dates with Earth, Wind & Fire after having a heart procedure. The ‘All Night Long‘ artist was hospitalized for Atrial fibrillation, according to TMZ. Atrial fibrillation, AFib or AF, is the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Richie’s September 26, September 30, and October 2 concerts are canceled due to Richie’s heart procedure. The shows were in San Francisco, Chicago, and Columbus, Ohio. In addition, a representative for the 77-year-old confirmed the news to PEOPLE on Tuesday, September 22.
“Lionel underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation (AFib). The doctor said everything went perfectly,” reads the statement. “Lionel is doing great, but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.”
Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire announced the “Sing A Song All Night Long Tour” in January 2026. The news of his procedure comes after the Grammy Award-winning artist was in the ICU back in August 2026, as reported by TSR. The singer was admitted to the hospital after a St. Louis concert, where he needed a chair toward the end of the show. He also cut a show short in St. Paul, Minnesota, in June 2026. Subsequently, he aptly told the crowd:
“When youre feeling dizzy, sit your a*s down,” said Richie, per The Minnesota Star Tribune.
Afterward, the ‘Dancing on the Ceiling‘ singer was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, per TMZ.
Several fans shared well-wishes for Richie on TSR’s Instagram page, while others noted their worry during his ICU stay.
User @vibewithvivian__ replied, “God please protect this man .”
User @pisces4lifeatl shared a message for Richie. “I just want Lionel to know its ok to rest his true fans will understand.”
@luannexo_ agreed. “lionel, please take the necessary rest and make yourself some tea while your at it .”
Other users noted their temporary terror at the news of Richie’s ICU stay. User @da.keevist wrote, “Chile i was about to holler in this classroom.”
@dtx.pieee added, “DONT MAKE ME SCREAM AT WORK NO MORE!!! .”
User @babypearljose replied, “I thought it was something else, my heart skipped for a second.”
User @siah77_ added, “Yall plz stop posting it like this had me for a second .”
@ty.indisputable added, “Prayers that everything goes well.”
“Just bout to have a Baptist fit when I saw his pic,” wrote @luckystar19320.
“Its important to take care of ourselves and our health while we are young please if anyone sees this take care of yourself,” added @therealeazyeconomicz.
In addition to touring with Earth, Wind & Fire, Richie’s also scheduled to begin his Las Vegas residency in October. The shows haven’t been canceled as of Tuesday, according to KCRA 3 News.
Richie announced on Instagram in July that he will perform in the King of Hearts Tour live at the Encore Theater in Las Vegas. The dates are currently scheduled for October 14, 16, and 17. After that, there are three more dates on November 11, 13, and 14, at Wynn Las Vegas.
Nonetheless, there’s some doubt about whether the Las Vegas shows will occur, according to NBC News. However, the first show is not until October 14, which gives Uncle Richie several weeks to recover.
