Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris has been placed in an induced coma following a "cardiac incident" last week. The 58-year-old musician was hospitalized on Thursday, August 13, prior to the band's scheduled performance with Lionel Richie at San Francisco's Chase Center.
The San Francisco Fire Department confirmed that emergency services responded to the venue for a cardiac emergency, transporting one individual to a local hospital in critical condition.
A statement posted to Facebook by Shelly, wife of bandmember Verdine White, provided an update on Paris' condition. "When John arrived at the hospital, his doctors placed him into an induced coma while they worked to provide the critical care he needed," the post read. "From the very beginning, Kathy and daughter Kyla remained by his side."
According to the update, Paris briefly regained consciousness and asked for his wife, Kathy Merrick. He also humorously told a close friend, "Get me outta here man!" However, shortly after this moment, his blood pressure rose, and he experienced difficulty breathing. Doctors made the decision to sedate him again to allow his body to stabilize.
"Today, John remains resting under sedation while his medical team carefully monitors him and determines the safest path forward," the statement continued. "Even now, John appears to show slight responses when music is played."
A statement from Earth, Wind & Fire last week confirmed the medical emergency led to the postponement of their San Francisco show. "We are unable to perform as scheduled tonight at Chase Center in San Francisco due to a medical emergency involving a member of our band," the band said. "As a result, tonight’s show with Lionel Richie will be rescheduled, with a new date to be announced soon."
Paris joined Earth, Wind & Fire as drummer in 2001 and has performed on several of their studio albums, including "The Promise" (2003), "Illumination" (2005), "Now, Then & Forever" (2013), and "Holiday" (2014). The iconic band, known for hits like "September," "Boogie Wonderland," and "Shining Star," has won seven Grammy Awards.