Al Di Meola Heart Attack Update: Guitarist Gives First Statement Since Incident

Health setbacks can happen to anyone at any time at any age, but people of older age are more susceptible to these. In the case of Al Di Meola, the renowned guitarist and performer, his health condition took a drastic turn while he was performing in Romania.

Di Meola suffered a heart attack onstage on Wednesday, Sep. 27, 2023.

Al Di Meola Heart Attack

According to The Associated Press, Di Meola was performing at a concert venue in Bucharest, Romania, at around 9:00 p.m.

A photographer on the scene, Dragos Cristescu shared to the outlet that he saw the guitarist grabbed his chest during the performance, before struggling to walk off the stage.

The other people onstage continued to play for several minutes before cutting the show short.

According to a statement released by the Bagdasar-Arseni emergency hospital, Di Meola was sent to the cardiology ward for treatment of segment elevation myocardial infarction or STEMI.

What is STEMI?

According to The Cleveland Clinic, a STEMI Heart Attack, the one that Di Meola had suffered affects a person's heart's lower chambers.

They are named for how they change the appearance of your heart's electrical activity on a certain type of diagnostic test. STEMIs are said to be more severe and dangerous compared to other types of heart attack.

Al Di Meola Heart Attack Update

In a Facebook post, Al Di Meola gave a reassuring update for 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," he said in a statement. "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."

With the immediate cancelation of his upcoming shows, Di Meola promised to return: "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."

"I wish for you a super pleasant speedy recovery!!! I've been a fan since I was a kid. Met you when I was 17," a fan commented.

"Best wishes for a full and fast recovery! Obviously, shows are secondary, but I look forward to seeing you when you are well enough and they are rescheduled. Rest now and heal. Take care!" another shared.