Lionel Richie recalls 'special time' playing for Belfast crowd

Lionel Richie, the legendary music superstar, fondly recalls his first concert in Belfast back in 2001 as a truly special moment, both for himself and for Northern Ireland. Speaking to BBC News NI, Richie shared how the atmosphere during those early shows was unique. Despite concerns about security, he believed that if he simply played his songs, the crowd would behave as expected, and indeed, the concerts went off without any issues. Reflecting on that period, he described it as a very special time, especially considering the political and social changes happening in Northern Ireland then.

Now, Richie is preparing to launch his Say Hello to the Hits UK and European tour, kicking off at the SSE Arena in Belfast. He remembers arriving in the city during a time when the country was settling into peace, and he praised the enthusiasm and warmth of the crowds. His upcoming set will feature some of his biggest hits, including classics like Hello, Dancing on the Ceiling, and All Night Long. Richie has spent much of the past week rehearsing in Belfast, focusing on perfecting his performance for the tour's opening night. Although he has not had much chance to explore Northern Ireland this time, he has enjoyed discovering some of the best places to eat.

Richie’s career began in the 1970s with the Commodores, and he has worked hard to develop his songwriting skills and stage presence over the decades. He admits that gaining confidence was a challenge, especially when surrounded by other talented writers at Motown. Now, as he prepares to publish his memoirs in 2025, Richie reflects on his long journey with pride. He also expressed concerns about the growing influence of artificial intelligence in music, fearing it might remove the human imperfections that make live performances special. For Richie, the emotional connection between artist and audience is what truly matters, and he hopes his songs continue to evoke strong feelings and memories in listeners. The Say Hello to the Hits tour promises to be a memorable event, starting in Belfast and continuing across the UK and Europe.