Drumming News :
Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris remains under sedation after suffering a critical medical emergency before the band’s Aug. 6 concert at San Francisco’s Chase Center, according to a family-backed support page.
An Aug. 13 update said doctors placed the 58-year-old drummer in an induced coma after he was hospitalized. Paris briefly regained consciousness, opening his eyes and asking for his wife, Kathy Merrick, before joking with longtime friend Eddie Mininfield, “Get me outta here man!”
His blood pressure later rose and he had difficulty breathing, prompting doctors to sedate him again. The family said Paris remains under close medical supervision and has shown slight responses when music is played at his bedside.
The Chase Center concert with Lionel Richie was postponed minutes before showtime and has been rescheduled for Sept. 26. Earth, Wind & Fire resumed its tour two days later, with Sonny Emory filling in on drums.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Paris and his family. The band has not issued a separate public update on his condition.
John’s GoFundMe HERE
