Lionel Richie is taking a break from touring after undergoing a procedure to treat atrial fibrillation, with his representative saying the 77 year old singer is doing well and expects to return to the stage.
Richie’s representative confirmed the procedure to ABC News on Sept. 22, saying doctors reported that everything went well. The statement added that the singer will take some time away from performing before returning to the stage.
TMZ reported that the procedure led to changes involving three scheduled shows with Earth, Wind & Fire. The affected dates were Sept. 26 in San Francisco, Sept. 30 in Chicago and Oct. 3 in Columbus, Ohio.
Chase Center separately announced that the San Francisco performance would be rescheduled, with tickets honored for the new date.
Richie’s health issues have interrupted the tour before. In June, he became dizzy and said he felt strange during a St. Paul, Minnesota, performance, ending the concert early before being taken to a hospital. Two shows were subsequently postponed.
In late August, Richie checked himself into a St. Louis hospital after performing at The Muny. ABC News later reported that he returned home after the hospitalization.
The latest procedure addresses atrial fibrillation, commonly called AFib. The CDC describes AFib as an irregular heart rhythm and notes that treatment can include medication, surgery and lifestyle changes.
Despite the latest pause, Richie’s website lists upcoming performances at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas beginning Oct. 14, including a run of his “King of Hearts” shows in October and November.
Richie’s representative has not announced a new detailed recovery timeline but said the singer will be back on stage soon.
The San Francisco concert is expected to receive a new date, while the remaining affected performances have been subject to schedule changes.
