Earth, Wind & Fire postpones show due to band member’s ‘cardiac event’

Funk group Earth, Wind & Fire was forced to postpone a concert with Lionel Richie 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 the show would not be happening 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 due to a medical emergency involving a member of our band,” the statement said. “As a result, tonight’s 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 with another show or refund.

“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 “cardiac incident.” 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 was similarly forced to postpone two 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 four more tour stops with Richie in Palm Desert, California; Los Angeles, California; Phoenix, Arizona and Austin, Texas, on August 8, 9, 11 and 14, respectively.