Unnamed member of funk legends reportedly suffers “cardiac incident” prior to Chase Center tour stop with Lionel Richie; gig will be rescheduled, band says
Earth, Wind, and Fire postponed their concert in San Francisco Thursday after an unnamed member of the band suffered a “medical emergency” before their scheduled gig with Lionel Richie.
“We are unable to perform as scheduled tonight at Chase Center in San Francisco due to a medical emergency involving a member of our band,” the group wrote on social media Thursday. “As a result, tonight’s show with Lionel Richie will be rescheduled, with a new date to be announced soon.
“We sincerely apologize for the unexpected change and appreciate everyone’s understanding.” (A rep for the group declined to comment or provide further information to Rolling Stone.)
TMZ reports that the San Francisco Fire Department responded to a call of a “cardiac incident” Thursday night prior to the concert, with one person transported to the hospital. The patient’s name was not revealed due to HIPAA laws.
It’s been a rocky go for the tour uniting the funk and soul legends and Lionel Richie, as the start of the trek was briefly paused after Richie became ill mid-concert during the opening night performance in Minneapolis in June. The illness forced the postponements of a pair of shows “under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health.”
The tour continued as scheduled in July without incident until Thursday’s postponement. Despite the nature of the medical emergency, Earth, Wind, and Fire said the San Francisco show would be made up at a later date. “Ticket holders should retain their tickets, which will be honored for the new date, or refunds will be available at the point of purchase,” the band said.
The tour’s next concert is scheduled for August 8 in Palm Desert, followed by shows in Los Angeles (August 9), Phoenix (August 11) and the final date in Austin (August 14). The previously postponed shows in Chicago and Columbus have been rescheduled for September 30 and October 2 respectively.
