Lionel Richie is taking a break from touring after undergoing a procedure for atrial fibrillation, his representative confirmed to ABC News on Tuesday 23 September 2026. The 77-year-old singer is expected to take some time off before returning to the stage.
“The doctor said everything went perfectly.”
Richie’s representative added:
“Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.”
Lionel Richie undergoes procedure for atrial fibrillation
The procedure was carried out to treat atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib, a type of irregular heartbeat in which the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly.
Treatment for atrial fibrillation can include medication, medical procedures and lifestyle changes, depending on the individual circumstances.
Richie’s representative did not provide further details about the procedure or say how long the singer’s touring break will last.
Recent health concerns during Lionel Richie’s tour
The latest procedure comes after several health-related interruptions during Richie’s current touring schedule.
The singer postponed two performances after becoming ill on stage during the opening night of his tour with Earth, Wind & Fire in late June.
In late August, Richie was admitted to hospital as a precaution. A source close to the tour told ABC News at the time that he checked himself in out of “an abundance of caution”. No further details about his condition were disclosed.
Richie has continued to have dates listed on his official tour schedule. His website currently lists performances in San Francisco on 26 September, Chicago on 30 September and Columbus on 2 October, followed by a series of Las Vegas shows beginning on 14 October.
Whether those dates will be affected by his latest procedure has not been confirmed.
Lionel Richie’s upcoming tour dates
Richie’s official website currently lists the following dates immediately following his latest health update:
- 26 September 2026: Chase Center, San Francisco
- 30 September 2026: United Center, Chicago
- 2 October 2026: Schottenstein Center, Columbus
- 14 October 2026: Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas
- 16 October 2026: Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas
- 17 October 2026: Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas
Additional Las Vegas performances are listed for November, followed by a show in São Paulo in December and a 2027 date in Thackerville, Oklahoma.
The official schedule does not currently indicate whether any of these performances have been postponed following Richie’s procedure.
Lionel Richie’s music career
Richie, whose career began with The Commodores before his hugely successful solo run, remains one of the best-selling artists in popular music. His official website says he has sold more than 125 million records worldwide.
His catalogue includes songs such as “Hello”, “All Night Long (All Night)”, “Dancing on the Ceiling” and “Easy”, alongside his work with The Commodores.
For now, his representative says Richie plans to return to the stage after taking time to recover from the procedure.
