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Earth, Wind & Fire abruptly postpones show after band member’s medical emergency

Earth, Wind & Fire canceled their Chase Center show with Lionel Richie due to a band member's medical emergency, with a rescheduled date pending.

Published August 7, 2026, 9:23 PM
Updated August 7, 2026, 9:51 PM3.6K
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Earth, Wind & Fire abruptly postpones show after band member’s medical emergency

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Earth, Wind & Fire canceled plans to take the stage Thursday evening in San Francisco after a medical emergency involving one of the band’s members.

The legendary group announced the unexpected change shortly before its scheduled performance Thursday at the Chase Center.

"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 posted on the band's social media account read. "As a result, tonight’s show with Lionel Richie will be rescheduled, with a new date to be announced soon."

BARRY MANILOW RESCHEDULES CONCERT 45 MINUTES BEFORE START AMID ONGOING LUNG CANCER RECOVERY

Earth, Wind and Fire perform onstage at Arena Monterrey.

Earth, Wind and Fire abruptly canceled a concert on Aug. 6 due to a medical emergency. The show with Lionel Richie will be rescheduled. (Medios y Media/Getty Images)

"Ticket holders should retain their tickets, which will be honored for the new date, or refunds will be available at the point of purchase," the statement continued. "We sincerely apologize for the unexpected change and appreciate everyone’s understanding."

No additional details about the nature of the medical emergency were immediately provided.

Philip Bailey, Lionel Richie, Ralph Johnson and Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire stand backstage.

Philip Bailey, Lionel Richie, Ralph Johnson and Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire are backstage during the opening night of "Sing A Song All Night Long." (Adam Bettcher/Getty Images for Live Nation)

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Earth Wind & Fire posing for a studio portrait.

R&B group Earth Wind & Fire pose for a studio portrait circa the mid-1970s. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Fox News Digital reached out to the band's representatives for additional comment.

Earth, Wind & Fire joined Richie for the Sing A Song All Night Long Tour beginning in June. The group made stops across North America, including Canada, and had just begun the California leg.

Founder Maurice White established the band in Chicago around 1969.

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Verdine White, Philip Bailey, and Ralph Johnson of Earth, Wind & Fire performing onstage at Beacon Theatre in New York City

Verdine White, Philip Bailey, and Ralph Johnson of Earth, Wind & Fire perform onstage during the 2026 Tribeca Festival. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival)

Key members through the classic era included his brother Verdine White, Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, Larry Dunn, Al McKay, Fred White, Andrew Woolfolk and others.

The group developed a signature sound that mixed funk, R&B, soul, jazz, gospel, rock and pop. Some of their top songs include "September," "Shining Star," "Let's Groove," "Boogie Wonderland" and "After the Love Has Gone."

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