Al Di Meola, the famous American guitarist best known for his work in jazz fusion and world music, is in stable condition after suffering a heart attack on stage during a concert in Romania, a hospital spokesman told The Associated Press on Thursday.
News reported that the musician, 69, was performing in Bucharest on Wednesday night. Photographer Dragos Cristescu, who was present at the concert, said he saw Di Meola clutching his chest before struggling to leave the stage.
Members of Di Meola’s band played for a few minutes before the show was called off, the photographer told the AP.
Bagdasar-Arseni Emergency Hospital released a statement to the news outlet, revealing that Di Meola was sent to the cardiology department and treated for a segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
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PEOPLE reached out to Di Meola’s American booking agent for comment on Thursday.
According to the American Heart Association, STEMI is “caused by a complete blockage of a coronary artery.” And according to the Minnesota Department of Health, STEMI is considered the most serious type of heart attack, affecting about 250,000 Americans annually.
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Di Meola’s long career included his work as a member of the 1970s jazz fusion group Return to Forever, which also featured Chick Corea, Lenny White and Stanley Clarke, as well as collaborations with fellow guitarists John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia.
Di Meola also explored world music, including Brazilian, African, flamenco, tango and Middle Eastern. And, according to his website, he has recorded with his World Sinfonia collective on albums such as World Sinfonia III – The Grande Passion and The search for radical rhapsody.
In total, he sold 6 million records worldwide and won a Grammy in 1976.
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Originally from New Jersey, Di Meola has cited jazz guitarists Tav Farlow, Kenny Burrell and Larry Coryell as well as the Beatles as influences.
In an interview with S. 2022 The world of the guitar, Di Meloa talked about working in different musical genres. “If you feel you want to do it and you have a certain preference for a different style, there’s nothing to stop a musician from doing whatever they want,” he said. “If you’re doing something you don’t like doing, then that’s a good indicator that you know you shouldn’t be doing it.
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According to his 2023 tour itinerary, Di Meola is scheduled to play in Brazil, Argentina and parts of the US
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Source: HIS Education