Lionel Richie fell ill on stage on Thursday, forcing him to cancel the opening night of his 26-city North American tour.
The 77-year-old music legend appeared to be struggling while singing “Dancing on the Ceiling” after performing for about an hour at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Videos shared on social media showed Richie being forced to sit down multiple times during the song.
“If you feel dizzy, sit down,” Ritchie told the crowd, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
He then sat down at the piano and played “Three Times a Lady” before calling for a break. His band remained on stage for about 15 minutes before exiting.
About 40 minutes later, saxophonist Dino Sordo addressed the audience.
“Unfortunately, Lionel is not feeling well,” Sordo said. “He will not be able to continue playing. Further information will become available.”
Before taking the stage on Thursday, Richie spoke of his excitement about starting the tour.
“Opening night. Rehearsal. Soundcheck. Showtime tonight. St. Paul, you’re awake!!!,” he wrote on Instagram.
Earlier this week, the “All Night Long” singer also thanked the crew and musicians who helped make the tour possible.
“Thank you to the band and crew for your hard work, dedication, and long hours preparing for this tour,” he wrote on his Instagram Stories.
“It takes a great team behind the scenes to make it all happen, and we’re grateful to each and every one of you.”
Thursday’s show was the opening day of Ritchie’s joint North American tour with Earth, Wind & Fire.
The 26-date run is scheduled to continue Friday night at Chicago’s United Center, but it’s unclear whether Richie will be well enough to take the stage.
Page Six has reached out to Ritchie’s representatives for comment.
Despite Thursday’s setback, the Grammy winner has long maintained that he has no plans to retire.
Richie has continued to perform in recent years and previously said he had no plans to leave the stage.
“They’re going to carry me out, baby,” he told Rolling Stone in 2020.
“Someone asked me years ago, ‘When are you planning to retire?’ And I said, ‘From what?’ I’ve never had a job. Working people want to retire. ”
At the time, Ritchie said he felt like a 19-year-old and was enjoying the “fun and adventure” that came with a life on the road.
