Lionel Richie has canceled his summer 2022 UK and European gigs, including his headline slot at the Isle of Wight Festival.

The 'Dancing on the Ceiling' hitmaker was set to co-headline IOW with Lewis Capaldi on June 17.

The 72-year-old music legend pulled out of his planned performances across Europe and the UK this year due to the "impact" of COVID-19.

In a Twitter statement, he explained: "As COVID and its variants continue to impact the world, I have decided to hold off on my European tour this summer.

"We have continued to monitor the ongoing COVID situation, and with the related uncertainty around travel logistics and the continued presence of COVID restrictions and other issues, it has become clear that it will not be possible to go ahead with our summer shows in the region."

"The most important thing to me is the health of my fans, band, and crew. I hope you all understand, and I hope to see you very soon when we can all gather safely."

However, a post on the festival's page read:

"Unfortunately, Lionel Richie will no longer be playing at cinch presents the Isle of Wight Festival 2022."

It's unknown whether he will be replaced or whether the 'Someone You Loved' hitmaker will be the sole headliner that night.

The 'Hello' tour dates also include Lionel's Eden Sessions gig at the Eden Project in Cornwall, planned for June 14.

The rescheduled festival was intended for 2020 but was delayed due to the pandemic.