Al Di Meola Has Onstage Heart Attack

Written By Mike Greenblatt

Legendary Jersey City guitarist Al Di Meola, 69, suffered a heart attack onstage last Wednesday in Bucharest, Romania. He was rushed to the Bagdasar-Arseni hospital’s emergency ward where he was treated for a “segment elevation myocardial infarction or STEMI,” according to Associated Press news service who went on to report that “a STEMI mainly effects the heart’s lower chambers and tends to be more severe and dangerous compared to other types of heart attacks.” He is now in stable condition and sent out his own missive thanking fans for the concern. Di Meola was in the middle of the show when he suddenly clutched at his chest and struggled to immediately leave the stage while the band played on. Moments later, the announcement came that the show had to end.

“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,” he writes. “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. I’m planning to return in 2024, and I’m already looking forward to making music once again. Your unwavering support means the world to me, and it’s a driving force in my journey towards recovery.”

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Mike Greenblatt

MIKE GREENBLATT has been writing for Goldmine magazine and New Jersey's Aquarian Weekly for more than 35 years. His writing subjects fill the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's interviewed Joe Cocker, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, and members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He was 18 when he attended Woodstock in 1969.

In addition to writing about music, Greenblatt has worked on publicity campaigns for The Animals, Pat Benatar, Johnny Winter, Tommy James and Richard Branson, among others. He is currently the editor of The Jersey Sound.

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