A last-minute medical emergency involving a member of Earth, Wind & Fire abruptly postponed Lionel Richie’s Thursday night concert in San Francisco, leaving fans outside Chase Center stunned just minutes before showtime.
The venue announced the postponement shortly after 7:20 p.m., only moments ahead of the scheduled 7:30 p.m. start. Officials said the delay was tied to an emergency involving a band member, though the individual’s name, condition and the circumstances of the incident were not immediately disclosed.
“Tonight’s show with Lionel Richie will be rescheduled, with a new date to be announced soon,” the Chase Center said in a statement. “Ticket holders should retain their tickets, which will be honored for the new date, or refunds will be available at the point of purchase.”
It was not immediately clear whether Earth, Wind & Fire’s set would be included when the concert is rescheduled.
The performance had been planned for Chase Center, the $1.4 billion arena in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood and home of the Golden State Warriors.
Richie’s tour has faced health-related disruptions before. In June, the music icon canceled two concerts after experiencing dizziness onstage and later being hospitalized.
Chase Center, located at 1 Warriors Way, opened in September 2019. The arena was funded entirely by the Warriors ownership group and private investors, with no taxpayer money used for its construction.
