The veteran band posted a statement on Instagram explaining that they were unable to perform at San Francisco’s Chase Center on Aug. 6 due to a medical emergency involving an unidentified band member. They confirmed that the show, which was set to feature Lionel Richie, will be rescheduled, with a new date to be announced soon.
According to TMZ, Mariano Elias, a rep for the San Francisco Fire Department, confirmed that a fire engine and private ambulance were dispatched to the Chase Center on Thursday night in response to a “cardiac incident.” One person was transported to a local hospital by ambulance and was listed in critical condition. Due to HIPAA laws, the patient’s identity has not been released.
A post shared by Earth, Wind & Fire (@earthwindandfire)
This isn’t the first health issue to affect Earth Wind & Fire’s tour. On June 24, Lionel Richie also suffered a medical emergency while performing onstage in St. Paul, Minnesota.
While performing “Dancing on the Ceiling,” Richie was forced to sit down mid-song, telling the audience he suddenly felt “dizzy” and “strange.” He advised anyone who has been in a similar situation to “sit down,” before saxophonist Dino Soldo announced that Richie was unable to finish the show and was reportedly taken to hospital as a precaution.
Because he was feeling dizzy and strange, @lionelrichie performed Dancing on the Ceiling sitting down on opening night @grandcasarenapic.twitter.com/5LYk5unI9s
— Jon Bream (@jonbream) June 25, 2026
The medical emergency occurred at the start of Richie’s joint tour with Earth, Wind & Fire. He is scheduled to perform 26 shows through mid-August.