Lionel Richie says he tried to ‘bribe the pilot’ as he apologized for canceling a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden just an HOUR before it was due to start
Lionel Richie apologized for canceling a sold-out show at New York City’s Madison Square Garden during his makeup performance on Monday.
The 74-year-old hitmaker was originally scheduled to perform at the world-famous venue on Saturday night, but was unexpectedly forced to postpone the concert an hour before it was due to start.
The singer, who recently shared his secret to maintaining a youthful appearance, returned to Madison Square Garden and sincerely apologized for the unfortunate cancellation.
Richie started by saying via People that he had tried to convince the pilot of his plane to make it to Saturday’s scheduled performance after being informed that there was a chance he might not make it.
“I had two nos to come at the same time, and when those two decided it was a no — when God says no and when the pilot says no, the answer … I tried to bribe the pilot,” he said.
Speaking his mind: Lionel Richie apologized for canceling a sold-out show at New York City’s Madison Square Garden during his makeup performance on Monday; he was seen earlier this month
The All Night Long singer then explained that he was persuaded to turn around when his pilot made a personal appeal.
The pilot said, “I want to see my wife tomorrow.” So tonight we’re going to make up for that,” he said.
Richie added that he wanted to apologize “a thousand times” for missing the show.
The artist previously apologized through his X account to explain why he had to cancel his concert.
He wrote, “Due to severe weather and not being able to land in New York and surrounding areas, I will not be able to make it to the show tonight.”
The hitmaker said at the time that he was extremely discouraged to have to postpone the concert and added that he was excited to see his fans at a later date.
‘I’m so bummed. We are moving the show to Monday, August 14,” he explained.
The Endless Love singer added that he couldn’t wait to perform for all of you.
Unfortunate circumstances: The 74-year-old hitmaker was originally scheduled to perform at the world-famous venue on Saturday night, but he was unexpectedly forced to postpone the concert just an hour before it was due to start; he is seen in 2010
Doing the Most: Richie started by saying through People that he had tried to bribe his plane’s pilot to make it to Saturday’s scheduled performance; he was seen earlier this month
Starting off strong: Richie kicked off his Sing a Song All Night Long Tour earlier this month with a show at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota
Richie kicked off his Sing a Song All Night Long Tour earlier this month with a show at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
The American Idol judges’ most recent tour, titled the Hello! Hits Tour, took place in 2019.
The hitmaker is touring with disco legends Earth, Wind & Fire on his new series of concerts.
Richie currently plans to conclude his tour with a performance at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on September 15.