Stroke fells Poco drummer onstage

George Grantham, drummer for country-rock band Poco, suffered a stroke and collapsed on stage while the band was performing Thursday in Springfield, Mass. He was taken to a hospital.

While Grantham underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure that led to the stroke, the rest of the band finished the concert in an acoustic format after being told they would be unable to visit their drummer immediately.

The group is due in the Southland next week for concerts Wednesday at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano and Friday at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. A spokeswoman said Grantham has been given “a solid prognosis.” As the Poco tour continues, the group has drafted drummer George Lawrence, who has performed with the band previously, to fill in for Grantham while he recovers.