Lionel Richie apologizes for last-minute NYC gig cancelation: ‘I tried to bribe the pilot’

Lionel Richie was compelled to difficulty an apology to a sea of concertgoers for having to cancel his sold-out gig in New York Metropolis one hour after showtime on Saturday.

The “All Night time Lengthy” hitmaker, 74, was all smiles Monday as he lastly beat the climate and made it to Madison Sq. Backyard as a part of his tour with Earth, Wind, and Hearth.

Through the rescheduled present at Madison Sq. Backyard, Richie apologized to followers “a thousand occasions” for having to drag the plug on Saturday’s gig. 

“I had two ‘no’s to come back on the identical time,” Richie stated in footage captured by fans. “And when these two determined it’s a no — when God says no and when the pilot says no, the reply … I attempted to bribe the pilot.”

The Grammy winner stated poor climate circumstances triggered the delay in attending to the Massive Apple.

“And the pilot stated, ‘I do need to see my spouse tomorrow.’ So tonight we’re going to make up for that. I apologize for {that a} thousand occasions.” 

An hour after the live performance was scheduled to start, the “Hiya” singer broke the information to followers on Saturday that he wouldn’t carry out on the historic venue regardless of his greatest makes an attempt to fly into the New York space.

“On account of extreme climate and being unable to land within the NY and surrounding areas, I’m unable to make it to the present tonight,” Richie posted in a statement on X — formally generally known as Twitter.

“I’m so bummed. We’re rescheduling the present to Monday Aug 14. Can’t wait to carry out for you all. Tickets for tonight’s present are legitimate for the present on Monday.”

“We purchased our dad and mom good seats for some huge cash for his or her fiftieth wedding ceremony anniversary. They’re 75 and had been actually wanting ahead to tonight’s present. Thanks for ruining the present we obtained for them,” one Twitter person wrote.

Earth, Wind and Hearth wanted to rearrange its schedule to accommodate Richie’s journey issues.

The group was scheduled to carry out in Bridgeport on Monday evening however has since postponed the present for Wednesday to play the make-up gig.

Regardless of the letdown, one one who stays beaming with satisfaction over Richie is his daughter Sofia.

The mannequin, 24, gushed about her “position mannequin” father in an interview with Town & Country, saying he handles fame with “such grace.”

“He embraces everybody who comes as much as him. He’s appreciative, he’s grateful,” she instructed the outlet.

“He’s taught me to by no means have that ‘Oh God, not right this moment’ angle. He’s one other degree of megastar, and my entire life I’ve watched him. I’ve by no means seen him say no to an image. I’ve by no means seen him be impolite to anybody who walks as much as him on the road.”