Earth, Wind & Fire Abruptly Cancels Concert with Lionel Richie After Band Member’s ‘Medical Emergency’
Earth, Wind & Fire has postponed its scheduled concert with Lionel Richie after a member of the band experienced a medical emergency.The legendary group announced on social media that it would no longer perform as planned on Thursday, August 6 at Chase Center in San Francisco.“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,” Earth, Wind & Fire wrote in a statement shared on Instagram.
Lionel Richie performs onstage during MusiCares Persons of the Year on February 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.Lester Cohen/Getty
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“As a result, tonight’s show with Lionel Richie will be rescheduled, with a new date to be announced soon,” the statement continued. “We sincerely apologize for the unexpected change and appreciate everyone’s understanding.”
Chase Center shared the same statement on its own social media channels, reminding ticket holders to keep their tickets for the rescheduled show or request a refund through their original point of purchase.
The band did not disclose which member experienced the medical emergency or provide additional details.
PEOPLE has reached out to representatives for Earth, Wind & Fire and Lionel Richie for additional comment.
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The postponement comes just over a month after Richie, 77, returned to the stage following his own health scare during the opening night of the Sing A Song All Night Long Tour.
The singer resumed the tour in Pittsburgh after postponing two performances following a June 24 concert in St. Paul, Minn., where he cut the show short after telling fans he was feeling dizzy while performing “Dancing on the Ceiling.”
After the incident, doctors advised Richie “to rest and return to full health” before resuming the tour, according to a statement shared by Live Nation Chicago.
Lionel Richie performs in concert during the “Sing A Song All Night Long” tour on August 29, 2023 in Austin, Texas.Rick Kern/Getty
“I had you worried there for a minute, huh?” Richie joked to the crowd during his return performance, according to TribLive. “You have no idea what I have been through in the last 24 hours, listening to my friends tell me their advice on what I should be doing.”
Richie’s ex-wife, Brenda Harvey Richie, also reassured fans after the incident.
“Thanking everyone for their concern! Lionel is OK and will be back on the stage,” she wrote on X at the time.
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The Sing A Song All Night Long Tour marks the third consecutive year Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire have toured together. The run is scheduled to conclude on Aug. 14.
