Earth, Wind & Fire drummer placed into induced Coma after hospitalization

Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris remains in hospital after being placed in an induced coma following a frightening medical emergency.

The 58-year-old musician was rushed to hospital on August 6, just hours before the legendary group was due to take the stage alongside Lionel Richie at San Francisco’s Chase Center.

John was transported in critical condition after emergency services were called to the venue, prompting Earth, Wind & Fire to abruptly postpone the performance.

Now, his family has shared a hopeful update on the musician’s condition, revealing that John briefly regained consciousness before doctors were forced to sedate him again.

Shelly Clark White, who is married to Earth, Wind & Fire bassist Verdine White and has been sharing updates with the family’s support, revealed that doctors placed John in an induced coma after he arrived at hospital so they could provide critical care.

At one point, the drummer opened his eyes and immediately asked for his wife, Kathy Merrick.

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After spotting her in the room, John also turned to longtime friend Eddie Mininfield and showed a glimpse of his familiar sense of humor, joking: “Get me outta here man!”

The moment brought “tears, laughter, hugs, and renewed hope” to those gathered around his hospital bed.

However, John’s blood pressure later began to rise and he experienced difficulty breathing, leading doctors to sedate him again while his condition stabilised. He remains under sedation and is being closely monitored.

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In another encouraging sign, John has reportedly shown slight responses when music is played for him.

His wife Kathy, who performs with vocal group Honey Cone, and their daughter Kyla have remained close to his bedside, while friends and fellow musicians have rallied around the family.

“John’s journey is far from over,” Shelly wrote in her update, adding that there was still “so much hope” surrounding him.

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Earth, Wind & Fire were due to perform alongside Lionel Richie as part of their Sing A Song All Night Long tour when John’s medical emergency occurred.

The group announced shortly before the August 6 concert that they were unable to perform due to “a medical emergency involving a member of our band”, apologising to fans for the unexpected postponement.

John has been part of Earth, Wind & Fire’s touring line-up for more than two decades, joining the Grammy-winning group in 2001.

During his time with the legendary band, he has performed on albums including The Promise, Illumination, Now, Then & Forever and Holiday, as well as taking to the stage for some of the group’s biggest hits.