Earth, Wind & Fire abruptly postpones show over ‘medical emergency involving band member’
Earth, Wind & Fire postponed their San Francisco show on Thursday night minutes before taking the stage.
“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 group wrote in an Instagram statement.
“As a result, tonight’s show with Lionel Richie will be rescheduled, with a new date to be announced soon,” the statement continued.
Earth, Wind & Fire (pictured above in September 2025) abruptly postponed a concert Thursday night. Variety via Getty Images
Minutes before the band was set to take the stage in San Francisco, the show was canceled. earthwindandfire/Instagram
After sharing instructions for attendees trying to “retain [their] tickets” or get a refund, they concluded, “We sincerely apologize for the unexpected change and appreciate everyone’s understanding.”
While the statement did not identify the individual, TMZ reported Friday that drummer John Paris is the person in question — and that longtime members Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson were not involved.
The 58-year-old joined the band in 2001, three decades after its formation.
A rep for the San Francisco Fire Department told the outlet a fire engine and private ambulance responded to a “cardiac incident” at the venue Thursday evening.
The group (pictured above in 1970) cited a “medical emergency involving a band member.” Michael Ochs Archives
The statement did not provide further details. (Pictured above: Earth, Wind & Fire on June 3.) Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
When transported to a local hospital, the patient’s condition was listed as “critical.”
The band’s rep did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
The next stop on the “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour is scheduled in Palm Desert, California, on Saturday, with subsequent stops in Los Angeles, Phoenix and Austin.
TMZ reported a patient was transported to a local hospital after suffering “cardiac arrest.” (Pictured above: the band on June 3.) Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
The patient is in “critical condition,” according to the outlet. (Pictured above: Earth, Wind & Fire on June 3.) Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
Earth, Wind & Fire is co-headlining the tour with Lionel Richie, who re-shared the statement via Instagram Stories.
Richie, notably, suffered a health scare in June that led to multiple tour stops being canceled.
At the time, the 77-year-old stopped his St. Paul, Minnesota, show due to a dizzy spell.
Richie sat down multiple times while singing “Dancing on the Ceiling,” telling fans, “When you’re feeling dizzy, sit your ass down.”
The Grammy winners are co-headlining their “Sing a Song All Night Long” with Lionel Richie (pictured above on July 24.) MediaPunch / BACKGRID
The songwriter (pictured above on July 24) suffered a health scare in June that led to multiple tour stops being postponed. MediaPunch / BACKGRID
When he left the stage, his band performed for 15 minutes — before announcing that Richie was “not feeling well” and wouldn’t be “able to continue.”
The “All Night Long” singer postponed his next two shows before returning to the stage.
In July, Richie assured concerned fans he is “doing well.”
