LOS ANGELES, CA. (THECOUNT) — Lionel Richie, 77, has been hospitalized for treatment of atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm, forcing the legendary singer and Earth, Wind & Fire to cancel three upcoming concerts on their “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour, according to reports published Tuesday.
The latest hospitalization represents another health-related interruption during Richie’s ongoing concert schedule. TMZ reported that the singer’s next three performances with Earth, Wind & Fire have been canceled following the medical procedure.
Advertisement
Richie’s representative confirmed that the singer underwent a procedure for atrial fibrillation and said the treatment went perfectly. The representative added that Richie is doing great, but will take some time off before returning to the stage.
According to TMZ, Richie is receiving treatment involving an AFib ablation, a minimally invasive procedure used to address abnormal electrical signals in the heart. The procedure creates small areas of scar tissue intended to block faulty electrical signals and help restore a normal heart rhythm.
Atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib, is an irregular heart rhythm that can cause the heart’s upper chambers to beat chaotically. The condition can produce symptoms including a rapid or pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness, although some people experience no noticeable symptoms.
The affected tour dates include Saturday, September 26, in San Francisco, California; September 30, in Chicago, Illinois; and October 2, in Columbus, Ohio.
The cancellations come after Richie experienced other health-related incidents during the current tour. In August, he checked himself into a St. Louis hospital following a concert and spent three days in the intensive care unit undergoing cardiac testing. He was subsequently released from the hospital.
In June, Richie also became ill during a concert in St. Paul, Minnesota. The performance was cut short after he reported feeling dizzy and strange, and he was transported by ambulance for medical attention. Subsequent reports described additional disruption to his concert schedule while he recovered.
Richie, whose career spans decades of pop, soul and R&B music, is known for hits including “Hello,” “All Night Long (All Night)” and “Three Times a Lady.” His ongoing performances with Earth, Wind & Fire have brought two prominent musical acts together for a major concert tour.
Richie’s representative did not indicate a specific date for his return to the stage, but said the singer would be back after taking time off. The latest announcement leaves the status of future performances subject to his recovery and further updates from his team.
The canceled performances were scheduled across three major U.S. cities: San Francisco in Northern California, Chicago in Illinois, and Columbus in central Ohio. The locations represent stops on the national tour featuring Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Google Maps: San Francisco, California (Canceled Tour Stop)
DEVELOPING::