shared why artists should treat their fans with respect, following the backlash has faced for questionable .
The Say You, Say Me hitmaker, 76, recently sat down for an interview with his son-in-law , 47, on the VEEPS Artist Friendly podcast.
Speaking of the advice he gives people who get into the entertainment business, Richie said, 'There's one thing you didn't calculate. I hope you like people.'
'Because if you don't like people, here's how it's going to sound. You spend the first half of your career going, "Look at me, look at me, look at me, look at me, look at me." And then you finally get famous. "Don't look at me. Don't look at me. Don't look at me."'
'I'm going, "Okay now, the universe gave you what you were asking for. Now, what is it about people you don't like? Oh, you want to be famous and rich without the people?" It doesn't work like that. You have to be able to engage!' he went on.
Madden - who's married to singer's daughter , 44 - praised his father-in-law for his interactions with fans, saying, 'I see you acknowledge people.'
Lionel Richie, 76, shared why artists should treat their fans with respect during an interview with his son-in-law Joel Madden, 47, on the VEEPS Artist Friendly podcast
His advice came following the backlash Chappell Roan, 28, has faced for questionable treatment of her supporters; Roan pictured in 2025
He then gave an example of seeing Richie greet people even when he's at a restaurant. 'As you walk through, you see someone if they look at you, and instead of looking away, you acknowledge them. It's interesting that you do that,' he pointed out.
Richie explained how even his kids have questioned why speaks to people who haven't said anything to him.
Speaking about his advice to those in entertainment, Richie said: 'I hope you like people. You want to be famous and rich without the people? It doesn't work like that'
'I always relate it to planting seeds. When you plant f**k you seeds, you get f**k you flowers. So, if you plant a career of f**k you flowers, it's coming back to haunt you,' he said
He continued: 'Sometimes you meet the person you idolize the most, and you're sorry you met them. I made a promise to myself, I'm never going to be that. Never'
Madden - who's married to singer's daughter Nicole Richie, 44 - praised his father-in-law for his interactions with fans, saying, 'I see you acknowledge people'
Madden then acknowledged that dealing with fans is something he learned over time, as he previously felt irritated if people stared at him for too long.
