Lionel Richie is on the mend after undergoing a minimally invasive procedure for atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat. According to his representative, the procedure to restore a normal heart rhythm went perfectly and Richie is doing great, though he’ll take some time off before returning to the stage. The health update comes after a string of scares this year: a June hospitalization following dizziness during a Minnesota performance and a three-day ICU stay in St. Louis in August for cardiac testing.
As he recovers, three stops on the Sing a Song All Night Long Tour with Earth, Wind&Fire have been canceled. The affected dates are September 26 in San Francisco, September 30 in Chicago, and October 2 in Columbus. Ticket holders should check with their point of purchase for refund details. The good news for fans planning ahead: Richie’s Las Vegas residency dates from October 14 through November 14 remain confirmed.
Richie’s catalog has been the soundtrack to countless weddings, road trips, and slow dances for more than four decades, so it’s no surprise the fan response has been an outpouring of support. If you had tickets to one of the canceled shows, what’s the Lionel Richie song you’ll play for him while he recovers?
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Local Lawton
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