Lionel Richie at the SSE Arena Belfast: Everything you need to know
Last updated 30th May 2025
International superstar Lionel Richie will kick off his European headline ‘Say Hello To The Hits’ tour in Belfast this month!
With over 125 million records worldwide, Lionel is one of the most celebrated figures in music history - producing unforgettable anthems like ‘Hello’, ‘All Night Long’, ‘Say You Say Me’, ‘We Are The World’, ‘Easy’ and many more.
The ‘Say Hello To The Hits’ tour will see a whole new level of production, and we're the first to see it here in Belfast at the SSE Arena on Saturday 31st May.
Downtown's Declan Wilson caught up with the music icon at the SSE Arena earlier this week as he puts the finishing touches to his 'Say Hello To The Hits' tour!
Lionel shares his excitement for opening his tour right here in Northern Ireland, reminiscing about his first performance in the arena back in 2001.
He reveals the magic of the crowd that keeps him coming back and why this audience is the best way to kick off a tour. Have a listen 👇
If you were lucky enough to secure tickets, there's some important info you need to know before you go 👇
Who is Lionel's support act?
Rising star, Brooke Combe, will be supporting Richie throughout his UK and Ireland leg.
Brooke is one of Scotland’s most exciting up and coming artists, she released her highly-anticipated debut album ‘Dancing At The Edge Of The World’.
What are the stage times for Lionel Richie in Belfast?
Doors: 6.30PM
Show Start: 8PM
What is the set-list?
As it's the first night of the tour, we're expecting this to be under wraps until opening night, but we'll keep you posted!
Where to park at the SSE Arena?
There are 1,500 parking spaces across the front, rear and Riverside car park. The car parks run on a first come first served basis, including disabled parking spaces.
The SSE Arena is just a walk over the bridge from the Belfast town centre, so there is a variety of public transport options available.
Visit translink.co.uk to plan your journey.
How to enter the Arena
If your ticket is for standing area (Door 2), you must enter via the Odyssey Place entrance, located opposite Hollywood Bowl on the ground floor.
If your ticket is seated (Door 3-24), please enter via the main front doors of The SSE Arena, Belfast.
Is there food and drink available at the SSE Arena?
Throughout the building there is 13 concessions outlets serving non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages as well as hot food and snacks.
There are two colour coded sections for your convenience. Blue outlets serve a range of hot food and drinks, and Green Outlets serve drinks and light bites.
Take a look back at Lionel Richie's incredible career 👇
Early career
Born in Alabama in 1949, Lionel Richie was a talented tennis player which earned him a scholarship to the Tuskegee Institute. While at university, he got involved with several music groups which lead to him co-finding R&B group the Commodores in 1968.
Commodores
After opening for the Jackson 5 on their 1971 tour, the Commodores were signed to Motown Records in 1972, with Lionel Richie as a singer, saxophonist, pianist and songwriter for the band.
They released their debut album 'Machine Gun' in 1974, later releasing their highly popular 'Commodores' album. They enjoyed great success throughout the 70s, and the band is still performing today.
1981 - 'Endless Love'
Lionel Richie wrote 'Endless Love' and recorded the song with Diana Ross in 1981 and it was the theme song for the film of the same name.
This song along with the song 'Lady' which he wrote for Kenny Rodgers in 1980 was the starting point for Lionel Richie's solo career.
1981 - Solo career
After developing his songwriting and musical talents in Commodores, Lionel made the decision to step away from the group and go solo. He brought out his self-titled debut album in 1982, which contained hit songs like 'Truly', 'You Are' and 'My Love'.
1983 - 'Can't Slow Down'
'Can't Slow Down' was Lionel Richie's next solo album which came out in 1983 and received two Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
It included the track 'All Night Long' which made it to Number 2 in the UK Charts and kickstarted his solo success in the UK.
1984 - Olympic Games Closing Ceremony
Lionel Richie put on a spectacular performance when he sang his hit song 'All Night Long' at the closing ceremony for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
1985 - U.S.A. for Africa
In 1985, Lionel Richie co-wrote the charity single 'We Are The World' with Michael Jackson for U.S.A. for Africa. The track features many big names in music including Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross and Tina Turner, and the single sold more than 20 million copies.
Watch 'We Are The World' on YouTube
1986 - 'Dancing on the Ceiling'
Arguably his best album to date, 'Dancing On The Ceiling' came out in 1986 and included the hit songs 'Ballerina Girl', 'Love Will Conquer All' and of course 'Dancing on the Ceiling'.
The track 'Say You, Say Me' featured in the film White Nights and the song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
Taking a break from music
In 1987 Lionel Richie took a break from music and the public eye for to look after his father who was unwell at the time. He sadly passed away in 1990 at the age of 75.
Lionel came back with a greatest-hits collection called 'Back to Front' in 1992, and his fourth studio album 'Louder Than Words' in 1996.
1994 - Songwriters Hall of Fame
Lionel Richie joined the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994, and in 2016 he received the Johnny Mercer Award, which is the organisation's highest honour.
2013 - 'All the Hits, All Night Long' tour
Lionel Richie embarked on his two year 'All the Hits, All Night Long' tour in 2013, followed by a Las Vegas residency of the same name from 2016-2017.
He has now returned for another Las Vegas Residency called Back To Las Vegas taking place throughout 2022.
2017 - Kennedy Center Honoree
Lionel Richie has been honoured with numerous awards and recognitions over the years including becoming a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2017 for his standout career.
2018 - American Idol Judge
Using his many years of music knowledge, Lionel Richie turned his talents to helping contestants on the 2018 reboot of American Idol. He has been on the judging panel with Katy Perry and Luke Bryan since.
Awards
Throughout his decade-spanning career, Lionel Richie has won many awards for his contribution to music including winning the People's Choice Award five times, and taking home 18 American Music Awards, an Academy Award, the BET Lifetime Achievement Award and five Grammys, to name a few.
2022 - Lionel Richie is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2022, Lionel Richie was announced as one of the nominees for the next Rock and Roll Hall of Fame intake. In May he was announced as one of the inductees, which he said was: 'An incredible honor'. The induction ceremony will take place on 5th November in Los Angeles.
2025 - Lionel Richie's 'Hello to the Hits' tour
In 2025, Lionel has been on his 'Hello to the Hits' tour, as well as announcing a book called Truly, due to be released in September 2025.
Read more:
Robbie Williams: A complete career timeline through the years
Lewis Capaldi's debut album 'Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent' turns 6
Miley Cyrus through the years: From Disney to 'Flowers'