Iconic funk group Earth, Wind & Fire was forced to postpone its concert with Lionel Richie on Thursday after one of its band members suffered a medical emergency.
The show was canceled just minutes before the band was set to take the stage at San Francisco’s Chase Center, forcing thousands of fans inside the arena and waiting in line to exit.
“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,” a statement shared on the Earth, Wind & Fire Instagram page read.
“As a result, tonight’s show with Lionel Richie will be rescheduled, with a new date to be announced soon. Ticket holders should retain their tickets, which will be honored for the new date, or refunds will be available at the point of purchase. We sincerely apologize for the unexpected change and appreciate everyone’s understanding.”
Officials have not said which band member is sick or shared details about their condition. The Independent has contacted Earth, Wind & Fire’s representative for comment.
open image in gallery
open image in galleryThe band are scheduled for 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.
The news comes just over a month after Richie, 77, was forced to postpone two shows after becoming dizzy during a performance in Minnesota in June.
“Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans,” a statement from Live Nation read.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
In clips shared by fans on social media, Richie was performing “Dancing on the Ceiling” when he signaled to someone on stage that he was going to finish the performance sitting down.
Following the song, Richie told the audience, “Now, what I have learned about my years of being in the business: when you are feeling dizzy, sit your ass down. And when you are feeling strange about yourself, sit your ass down.
“Now I want you to know that that is the first time in the history of ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ I’ve done it sitting down,” he continued to audience laughter and cheers. “That’s a bad sign! That’s a bad sign, y’all.”
At the time, Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris told local media that Richie had been “a little dehydrated” but that he hadn’t noticed any health issues before the show.