Lionel Richie to ‘take some time off’ following heart condition procedure

Lionel Richie began his career as a member of funk pop band The Commodores (Leon Neal/PA)

Singer Lionel Richie “will take some time off” following a medical procedure for a heart condition, his representative has said.

The 77-year-old, best known for his songs Hello and All Night Long (All Night), underwent a “common procedure” for atrial fibrillation (AFib), which causes the heart to beat irregularly.

The American singer postponed two Sing A Song All Night Long Tour shows over the summer after he was forced to cut the opening night of the tour short due to illness.

A statement shared by his representative said: “Lionel underwent a common procedure for atrial fibrillation (AFib).

“The doctor said everything went perfectly.

“Lionel is doing great but will take some time off and will be back on stage soon.”

The singer was due to perform with Earth Wind And Fire as part of their Sing A Song All Night Long tour on Saturday in San Francisco and in Chicago next week.

He is also scheduled to perform a Las Vegas residency titled King Of Hearts in October and November, followed by a show in Sao Paulo in December.

The singer began his career as a member of funk pop band The Commodores.

Richie’s other well-known songs include Dancing On The Ceiling and My Destiny, while with The Commodores he released hits including Easy and Three Times A Lady.