Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris has been placed in an induced coma following a “critical medical emergency” earlier this month.
The 58-year-old was rushed to hospital on August 6, shortly before the group were due to perform with Lionel Richie at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
The show was postponed just minutes before it was scheduled to start, with the band saying they were “unable to perform as scheduled” because of a “medical emergency involving a member of our band”.
The family later shared an official update on Facebook, explaining that Paris’ doctors had placed him into an induced coma while providing critical care.
“From the very beginning, Kathy and daughter Kyla remained by his side,” read the statement issued on Thursday (August 13). “One of John’s closest friends, Eddie M, has also faithfully remained at his bedside every day, hoping and praying alongside the family.”
Paris later briefly regained consciousness, opening his eyes and asking, “Where’s Kathy?” After seeing his wife, he turned to his friend and joked, “Get me outta here man!”
The update continued: “For a few precious moments, everyone saw the John they know and love. There were tears, laughter, hugs and renewed hope. Sadly, that moment was short-lived.”
His family explained that he began to experience difficulty breathing, leading doctors to sedate him again so his body “could stabilize and continue receiving the best possible care”.
The statement concluded by saying: “John’s journey is far from over. There is so much hope that surrounds him.”
A GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $70,000 of its $75,000 target to support Paris and his family. Visit the page here.
Earth, Wind & Fire resumed their tour two days after the postponed San Francisco show, with former member Sonny Emory filling in for Paris on drums. The San Francisco show has been rescheduled for September 26.
Paris joined the group in 2001 and has previously worked with artists including Patti LaBelle and Sheila E.
Sabrina Carpenter brought the band out during her headline set at Lollapalooza last summer, while Questlove’s documentary about the group, Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That’s The Weight Of The World), premiered in June. Check out the trailer above.