Lionel Richie thanks fans for ‘every kind word and love’ after stage return
By Pierra Willix, Press Association Senior Entertainment Reporter
Lionel Richie has thanked his fans for “every kind word” after he returned to the stage following an illness.
On Saturday night the singer, 77, posted a message on Instagram which read: “Thank you for every message, every kind word, and for all your love. I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for all of you.”
He added: “Pittsburgh and Detroit were an absolute joy. The energy, the dancing, the faces in the crowd… we made real memories together. See you in Toronto… let’s party all night long!”
Late last month, Richie postponed two of his Sing A Song All Night Long Tour shows in Illinois and Ohio after he was forced to cut the opening night of his tour short due to illness.
A statement from Live Nation Chicago and the United Centre in Chicago’s official Instagram accounts on June 25 said: “Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his show on Friday, June 26, in Chicago, IL, and Saturday, June 27, in Columbus, OH.
“He and Earth, Wind & Fire will return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30, in Pittsburgh, PA. Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back to performing for his fans.”
“We apologise for any inconvenience this causes fans who have tickets for these two shows. Rescheduled dates will be announced soon.”
The American singer is yet to publicly share any additional details about his illness or the treatment he received.
Richie cut short a concert St Paul, Minnesota, on June 24th after he began to feel ill, according to reports in the US media.
It was reported that he had been singing Dancing On The Ceiling and was then forced to take a seat before leaving the stage.
The US singer is due to perform a concert in the UK next month, at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on August 20th.
Having began his career as a member of funk pop band The Commodores, Richie has achieved eight UK top 10 singles as a solo artist including a number one in Hello, he has also scored three UK number one albums.
Richie’s other well-known songs include All Night Long (All Night), Dancing On The Ceiling and My Destiny, while with The Commodores he featured on songs such as Easy and Three Times A Lady.
