Lionel Richie Undergoes Heart Procedure, ‘Will Be Back on Stage Soon’ After Canceling Next Three Shows

Lionel Richie, the 74-year-old legend responsible for enduring hits like "All Night Long" and "Hello," has undergone a medical treatment for atrial fibrillation, a heart condition characterized by irregular and frequently accelerated heart rhythms. According to his publicist, who spoke with Variety, the procedure was performed earlier this week on a planned basis rather than as an emergency measure, and it unfolded without any issues. Although the singer is reportedly recovering favorably, a stretch of rest will be necessary before he can return to the stage.

As a result, three shows on his ongoing arena tour—a co-headlining venture with Earth, Wind & Fire—have been scrapped: a Saturday performance in San Francisco, a Sept. 30 engagement in Chicago, and an Oct. 2 stop in Columbus, Ohio. However, Richie's three-night run at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas, scheduled to begin Oct. 14, remains unaffected. That intimate 1,500-seat venue has established itself as a premier destination for superstar residencies, having previously hosted lengthy engagements by artists such as Diana Ross and Santana. For those holding tickets to the canceled dates, official ticketing services are anticipated to release information regarding rescheduled dates or refunds shortly.

Atrial fibrillation, often referred to as AFib, is a condition affecting millions globally. The treatment Richie received—cardiac ablation—employs either heat energy, cryotherapy, or pulsed electric fields to create tiny scars in a specific area of the heart. These scarred regions block the chaotic electrical signals that trigger AFib, assisting in restoring a normal heartbeat. The American Heart Association estimates that by 2030, over 12 million Americans will be diagnosed with the condition, highlighting its rank as one of the most common heart rhythm disorders. Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic who is not involved in Richie's care, observed that these procedures are generally low-risk and highly successful. "Most patients return to their usual activities within one to two weeks," she said. "Given Mr. Richie's otherwise robust health and active lifestyle, his outlook is very positive."

This recent health scare is not the first to attract public notice in recent months. During the June 24 opening night of the joint tour in Minneapolis, Richie exited the stage prematurely after experiencing dizziness, which led to the cancellation of two subsequent shows. He was performing again by June 30 and reassured fans through social media. On July 4, he shared a message of gratitude following concerts in Pittsburgh and Detroit, writing, "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." Later, on Aug. 29, he was hospitalized in St. Louis "out of caution" after a performance, where he underwent cardiac testing. People magazine reported on Sept. 2 that he had been discharged and had returned to Los Angeles. Richie's career, which launched with the Commodores in the 1970s before a solo breakthrough with 1982's "Truly," has spanned more than five decades and produced some of pop music's most enduring hits.