Drummer John Paris of Earth, Wind & Fire is in a medically induced coma after a critical medical emergency sent him to the hospital earlier this month, according to his family.
Paris, 58, was hospitalized on Aug. 6, just before the group was scheduled to perform with Lionel Richie at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The show was postponed minutes before it was to begin, with the band citing “a medical emergency involving a member of our band.”
The San Francisco Fire Department said crews responded to a report of a cardiac incident at the venue and transported one person to a hospital in critical condition. The family has not publicly confirmed the nature of Paris’ condition.
In an update shared to Facebook on Thursday (Aug. 13) by Shelly Clark White, wife of Earth, Wind & Fire bassist Verdine White, the family said doctors placed Paris in an induced coma upon admission so they could provide critical care. “From the very beginning, Kathy and daughter Kyla remained by his side,” the statement read, referring to Paris’ wife, musician Kathy Merrick, and their daughter.
According to the update, Paris briefly regained consciousness, opening his eyes and asking for his wife. After she appeared, he turned to a close friend and joked, “Get me outta here.” The family described the moment as bringing “tears, laughter, hugs and renewed hope,” but it didn’t last. His blood pressure climbed and breathing became difficult, leading doctors to sedate him again so his body could stabilize.
“John’s journey is far from over,” the statement concluded. “There is so much hope that surrounds him.”
A GoFundMe campaign established to assist Paris and his family has raised nearly $70,000 toward a $75,000 goal, with several bandmates among the donors.
Earth, Wind & Fire resumed touring two days after the postponed appearance, with former member Sonny Emory filling in on drums. The San Francisco concert has been rescheduled for Sept. 26.
Paris joined the band in 2001, playing on studio albums including 2003’s The Promise and 2005’s Illumination. He has also worked with artists including Patti LaBelle and Sheila E.
Formed in Chicago in 1969 by the late Maurice White, Earth, Wind & Fire became one of the most successful and influential groups in American music, selling more than 90 million records worldwide with a blend of R&B, funk, soul, jazz and pop. The band scored its sole Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with 1975’s “Shining Star,” which also topped the Hot Soul Songs chart and won a Grammy. Enduring hits such as “September,” “Boogie Wonderland” and “Let’s Groove,” its biggest Hot 100 hit at No. 3, became era staples. The group topped the Billboard 200 with 1975’s That’s the Way of the World and Gratitude, won six Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. A documentary directed by Questlove about the band premiered in June.
Support for Paris and his family continues to grow, with the GoFundMe campaign nearing its $75,000 goal and bandmates among those contributing.
