Darlene Love (pictured), whose 1960′s mega hits “He’s a Rebel,” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” won her worldwide acclaim, suffered a heart attack before her performance at Tim McLoone’s in Asbury Park, N.J., according to Spinner.

The 71-year-old songstress began experiencing stomach pains and acid reflux before stepping on stage. Not thinking the source of the pain was as serious as it actually was, Love’s husband, Alton, gave her an aspirin and she completed her performance.

The following day, Love experienced stomach aches, loss of appetite and malaise. It was at this point that she knew something was seriously wrong, so Alton rushed her to the hospital.

Doctors broke the shocking news to Love that she had indeed suffered a heart attack.  Alton saved her life by rushing her to the hospital. Had Love remained at home and simply taken another aspirin, the end results could have been deadly.