Funk group Earth, Wind & Fire was forced to postpone after one of its band members suffered a serious medical emergency, according to reports.
The performers were set to take the stage at San Francisco’s Chase Center on Thursday night, but the venue ultimately informed fans that right around 7:20 p.m., some ten minutes before the scheduled start time, ABC 7 reported. The band — with notable members including Verdine White, Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson — also shared a statement on Instagram, addressing the thousands of people who purchased tickets for the performance.
“We are unable to perform as scheduled tonight at Chase Center in San Francisco ,” the statement said. “As a result, tonightap show with Lionel Richie will be rescheduled, with a new date to be announced soon.”
Those who were supposed to attend the show should hold onto their tickets, the band added, vowing to make it up to them
“We sincerely apologize for the unexpected change and appreciate everyone’s understanding,” the statement concluded
Mariano Elias, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Fire Department, told TMZ a fire engine and a private ambulance responded Thursday night to the Chase Center for A person was subsequently hospitalized and has since been listed in critical condition.
The band member who fell ill has not been identified.
The incident comes just weeks after Richie shows after becoming dizzy during a performance in Minnesota in June. The 77-year-old hitmaker was about 55 minutes into his concert at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul when he appeared to struggle to catch his breath while performing “Dancing on the Ceiling.” He sat down on the stage several times before ending the show.
Earth, Wind & Fire has with Richie in Palm Desert, California; Los Angeles, California; Phoenix, Arizona and Austin, Texas, on August 8, 9, 11 and 14, respectively.
