Lionel Richie with Earth Wind & Fire at Grand Casino Arena, St. Paul, MN (2026-06-24) Photos

It’s been in all the headlines today-

On opening night of the current 26-show leg of their “Sing a Song All Night Long Tour” which kicked off at the Grand Casino Arena in downtown St. Paul, Lionel Richie said he felt “strange” and “dizzy” about forty-five minutes into his headlining set.

Finishing “Dancing on the Ceiling” by sitting on the stage steps, Richie made his way to the piano for “Three Times a Lady” but left the stage soon after, not returning after a forty-minute unscheduled intermission.

Sax player Dino Soldo emerged to let the crowd know that Richie would not be coming back out, forcing an early end to the evening.

The EMS dispatch call did mention “heart” as part of the info, but most other accounts mostly assume dehydration (which the EWF drummer also mentioned to the papers), as Richie was reportedly sweating early into his set and also dressed in all leather, which likely didn’t help to circulate any body temperature air.

Richie was rushed to a nearby hospital as a precautionary measure and told to rest and recover. As a result, the two following shows – Chicago and Columbus, OH, are now postponed.

This was a tour and show we saw and loved, when it came to Kansas City two summers ago and we loved Earth Wind & Fire enough to want to see them headline last summer in KC at Starlight (and even though bassist Verdine White wasn’t touring, due to a health issue). Both acts have so many classic hits that people of all ages know and adore, that each live experience was a communal joy to be a part of.

Earth Wind & Fire played their usual triumphant set, getting the crowd and up and dancing early and rarely sitting down after, followed by a scheduled intermission for a set change, Lights then dimmed with the introduction of the 77-years-young legend to start his set with, what else, but “Hello.”

Our “fan-in-the-stands’ was on the scene, live-texting the WHM crew all the hits being played and telling us how great the atmosphere was, on a fun opening night.

Though the setlist was familiar, Richie seemed to be having his usual good time, until moving from the ballad, “You Are” into the higher energy, mega-hit title track of his classic album, “Dancing on the Ceiling.” Mid-song, he paused, seemed confused, and then took a seat, saying “When you’re feeling dizzy, sit yo’ ass down”, and taking his own advice.

Like 81-year-old Rod Stewart the week before who needed oxygen on stage in Salt Lake City, there was immediate concern, with everyone praying for the best. It’s a stark reminder that our legacy music heroes are human just like us and not getting any younger. We’re hoping for a full recovery and are looking forward to positive show reports, when the tour is due to resume, on June 30 in Pittsburgh.

ALL FAN-IN-THE-STANDS REPORTING AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN “PBs” RAFALSKI​​

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EARTH WIND & FIRE​

National / International act coming through the Midwest / Kansas City area? Please email details to johnc@weheartmusic.com with a good lead time to be considered for Show Preview and Show Coverage consideration.