Chilling images have captured the harrowing moment when Grammy Award-winning guitarist Al Di Meola, 69, clutched his chest as he suffered a heart attack while performing onstage.
Di Meola was in the midst of a concert at the Arenele Romane venue in Bucharest, Romania, on Wednesday night when the alarming incident unfolded.
Photographs taken at the concert depict Di Meola visibly in distress as he holds his chest during the performance. Reportedly, he encountered difficulty while attempting to exit the stage. His fellow band members continued to play for several minutes following his departure until announcing that the show had to be abruptly cut short.
Footage from the concert captures one of his bandmates addressing the audience: “Thank you so much for coming out, Al Di Meola says hello to everybody.”
In an official statement, the Bagdasar-Arseni emergency hospital confirmed that Di Meola was admitted to a cardiology ward, where he was diagnosed with a segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A STEMI primarily affects the heart’s lower chambers and is generally more severe and dangerous compared to other types of heart attacks.
Fortunately, Al Di Meola is now reported to be in stable condition after the alarming incident that occurred on Wednesday night.
In a statement personally issued by Di Meola, he expressed his deep gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support he has received within the last 24 hours. He revealed that he is currently facing a medical situation that necessitates some time off from performing and touring but assured fans that he is receiving the best possible care and is wholly committed to a complete recovery. He anticipates his return in 2024 and eagerly looks forward to creating music once more, stating that the unwavering support of his fans is a driving force in his journey towards recovery.
The guitarist had been on tour in Bucharest as part of his ‘The Electric Years’ tour, with upcoming stops scheduled in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. His team announced the rescheduling of all cancelled dates for next year and has requested fans to retain their tickets, which will remain valid for the rescheduled shows.
Al Di Meola’s illustrious career spans several decades and has garnered widespread critical acclaim, including a Grammy Award. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, into an Italian family, he shared in a past interview that he was inspired to pick up the guitar after witnessing Elvis Presley’s performances. During his time at the Berklee School of Music, he dedicated himself to practicing for eight hours a day, a testament to his dedication and passion for music.
Di Meola’s discography includes many iconic tracks, with “Mediterranean Sundance” from his 1977 album ‘Elegant Gypsy’ standing out as one of his most beloved compositions. According to his official website, he has sold more than 6 million records worldwide, a testament to his enduring impact on the world of music.