Earth, Wind & Fire cancel show as one band member reportedly in ‘critical condition’
Earth, Wind & Fire were forced to cancel their San Francisco show minutes before taking to the stage due to a medical emergency involving a member of the band.
The group shared the news in an Instagram statement that has since been deleted. The San Francisco Fire Department confirmed that they responded to an emergency at the venue and that the patient was in a “critical condition”.
The group is led by original members Verdine White, Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson along with a backing band and touring lineup. Getty
According to multiple US outlets, the band’s statement read: “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.
“As a result, tonight’s show with Lionel Richie will be rescheduled, with a new date to be announced soon.”
The group asked fans to hold on to their tickets to be honoured for the rescheduled date, and apologised for any inconvenience caused.
A representative for the San Francisco Fire Department told TMZ that a fire engine and private ambulance responded to a call at the Chase Center for a “cardiac incident”.
The ambulance reportedly transported one person to the local hospital where the patient was listed as critical condition.
The Chase Center also shared a statement on the cancellation on Instagram. The statement remains on the page; however, it does not state a reason, simply explaining that the show was cancelled and will be rescheduled.
The next stop on the band’s tour is scheduled for Saturday evening (Sunday morning AEST) in Palm Desert, California. At the time of publishing no further announcements have been made regarding the future of the tour.
The band is currently travelling across the United States on their Sing a Song All Night Long tour, co-headlined by Lionel Richie.
Richie recently ran into a health scare of his own during the St. Paul Minnesota stop of the tour.
Lionel Richie has assured fans he is “doing well” and able to perform. Getty
The show was stopped mid-way through when Richie began to experience a dizzy spell, sitting down multiple times while performing Dancing on the Ceiling.
“When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your ass down,” he said.
The band performed for another 15 minutes after he left the stage before announcing that he wouldn’t be able to continue.
He postponed his next two shows, before assuring fans he was ready to take to the stage.
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