Al Di Meola Thanks Fans After Suffering Heart Attack Onstage
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Al Di Meola in New York City in September 2023
Al Di Meola, the jazz fusion guitarist, has expressed his gratitude to his fans for “their incredible outpouring of love and support” one day after suffering a heart attack while performing onstage in Romania. The 69 year-old American musician was reported to be in stable condition at a hospital in Bucharest one day after eyewitnesses saw him clasping his chest while performing at Arenele Romane on Wednesday (September 27, 2023). As he struggled off stage, several members of his band continued to play for several minutes before it was announced that the concert was ending abruptly.
All of the musician’s performances for the remainder of the year have been postponed to 2024. Di Meola’s administrative team wrote, “He is eager to return to the stage and share his music with you all once again.” On Thursday, Di Meola posted his own “heartfelt thanks and appreciation” to his fans.
“I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love and support that I’ve received during the last 24 hours.
“Unfortunately, I’m facing a medical situation that requires some time off from performing and touring. I want to assure you that I’m receiving the best care possible, and I’m fully committed to making a complete recovery.
“Music has always been a source of healing and strength for me, and I can’t wait to be back on stage, sharing my music with all of you. The energy and connection I feel when I perform are truly special, and I always felt that I can say things throughout the years with my music more than words can express.
“I’m planning to return in 2024, and I’m already looking forward to making music together once again. Your unwavering support means the world to me, and it’s a driving force in my journey towards recovery.”
One day later, Di Meola noted, “As it turns out, it’s World Heart Day today (Sept. 29) and I want to specifically thank the Doctors and Nurses at Bagdasar Arseni Hospital in Bucharest/Romania to get me back on track! I‘ll be forever grateful.” 🙏❤️🙏
Di Meola, born July 22, 1954, in Jersey City, NJ, began his career in 1974 at age 19 as a guitarist with the pioneering jazz fusion group Return to Forever, founded two years earlier by pianist Chick Corea. Each of the three albums he recorded with the group reached the top 40 of the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. The guitar virtuoso reunited with members of RTF many times over the years.
Related: Our tribute to Chick Corea, who died in 2021
He has recorded dozens of solo albums including several tribute releases to The Beatles including All Your Life earlier this year.
Watch Di Meola perform “If You Could Read My Mind” earlier this year, one month after its songwriter, Gordon Lightfoot, died.
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationA superior and cerebral guitarist, as well as musical craftsman, who’s career I have followed since about 1973.
Wishing Al Di Meola a speedy and thorough recovery, and hope to see perform again in 2024.