BUCHAREST, ROMANIA: Jazz fusion legend Al Di Meola has thanked his fans for their love and support after suffering a heart attack on stage in Romania.
The guitarist said he was receiving the best care possible and was determined to make a full recovery.
He also announced that he would resume touring in 2024, stating that music was his source of healing and strength.
What happened to Al Di Meola?
Al Di Meola was performing in Bucharest on Wednesday, September 27, when he felt chest pain and walked off stage.
His bandmates continued to play until they ended the show abruptly, as per Variety.
He was taken to a hospital where he was diagnosed with a segment elevation myocardial infarction, a type of heart attack that requires immediate treatment.
Al Di Meola's gratitude to fans
In a statement posted on Thursday, Di Meola expressed his deepest gratitude to fans for their "incredible outpouring of love and support."
He continued that the situation "unfortunately" demanded he takes 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."
Expressing his love for music, he said, he was eager to returen to the stage. "Music has always been a source of healing and strength for me, and I can't wait to be back on stage haring my music with all of you," he said.
Al Di Meola promises to make a comeback in 2024
Al Di Meola said he was planning to return to performing in 2024 and "I'm already looking forward to making music together once again."
He said the support from fans was his "driving force" towards recovery.
He said, "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."
Promising to keep his fans posted, he said, "Keep the music alive and I'll see you all soon."
AI's wife, Stephanie, also thanked his fans for the "outpouring of love and support."
She posted a video on AI's official facebook page with a caption that read, "Hi, it’s Stephanie, Al’s wife. I just want to thank everybody for the outpouring of love and support! He is doing so much better today and we will give you an update on his progress!."
Di Meola rose to fame as the guitarist of the group 'Return to Forever' in 1974. He has since won several awards, including a Grammy, for his jazz fusion and world music.
He is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists of his generation.
