In a previous four-piece band, we once started a regular gig we played monthly as a three piece - drummer, bass (me), & lead guitar/vocalist. After a thundering opening song, the frontman said something along the lines of "You may have noticed there are only three of us onstage tonight rather than the usual four... The next song is dedicated to our late guitarist.." & namechecked the missing band member.
Then we played the second song and after that the frontman said that he'd like to clarify that the aforementioned guitarist wasn't dead he - just hadn't turned up yet.
The missing guitarist evenually arrived in time to join us for the second set after encountering nightmare traffic somewhere or other.