Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris placed in induced coma after cardiac incident

Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris has reportedly been placed in an induced coma after suffering a cardiac incident backstage ahead of a major show.

The 58-year-old musician was rushed to hospital last Thursday, shortly before the band were due to perform alongside Lionel Richie at San Francisco’s Chase Center, according to TMZ.

San Francisco Fire Department crews were called to the venue following reports of a “cardiac incident”, with one person taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

Paris is now reportedly fighting for his life in hospital after the sudden medical emergency.

Now, a heartbreaking update from Shelly White, with of bandmate Verdine White, has revealed the emotional moment Paris briefly gained consciousness.

Writing on Facebook on Thursday, August 13, Shelly said the family had deliberately kept details of Paris’ condition private while he received critical care.

She revealed that Earth, Wind & Fire tour manager Toshi was at Paris’ side when the medical emergency unfolded, praising her “steady presence, care, and support” during the frightening first moments.

Once Paris arrived at hospital, doctors placed him into an induced coma while they worked to provide the critical treatment he needed.

His wife Kathy Merrick and daughter Kyla remained by his bedside, alongside one of his closest friends, Eddie M, who has reportedly stayed with him every day.

Paris then suddenly opened his eyes and looked around the room.

He quietly asked: “Where’s Kathy?”

When he spotted his wife, relief reportedly swept through those gathered around his bedside.

But Paris then showed the cheeky personality his loved ones know so well, turning to Eddie and quipping: “Get me outta here man!”

For a precious few moments, his family saw the John they know and love.

“There were tears, laughter, hugs, and renewed hope,” Shelly wrote.

But the moment was short lived when not long afterwards, Paris’ blood pressure began to climb and he developed difficulty breathing.

Doctors were forced to sedate him again so his body could stabilise while he continued receiving treatment.

Paris remains under sedation as his medical team monitors him closely and determines the safest way forward.

According to Shelly, Paris appears to show slight responses when music is played at his bedside.

For a drummer whose life has revolved around music, those fleeting reactions have carried huge emotional weight for those gathered around him.

Shelly wrote: “John’s journey is far from over.

“There is so much hope that surrounds him.”

She urged fans to continue praying for Paris, his wife Kathy, daughter Kyla and everyone closest to him.

“Your kindness, your encouragement, and your unwavering support continue to lift this family during the most difficult days of their lives,” Shelly wrote.

The devastating medical emergency forced Earth, Wind & Fire to pull out of their scheduled San Francisco show with Lionel Richie last week.

In a statement at the time, the band said: “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 cancelled concert will be rescheduled, with ticket holders able to retain their tickets or request refunds.

Paris joined Earth, Wind & Fire as their drummer in 2001 and went on to perform on several of the band’s albums, including “The Promise”, “Illumination”, “Now, Then & Forever” and “Holiday”.

The legendary group exploded onto the music scene in 1975 with their chart-topping smash “Shining Star”.

They went on to become one of music’s most enduring acts, unleashing a string of huge hits including “Got To Get You Into My Life”, “September”, “Boogie Wonderland” and “After the Love Has Gone”.

“September”, released in 1978, remains one of the band’s biggest and most instantly recognisable songs and was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in 2018.

Earth, Wind & Fire have also amassed seven Grammy Awards during their glittering career.

The band’s current line-up includes Philip Bailey, Myron McKinley, Oshun Shango Oshunde, Morris O’Connor, Serg Dimitrijevic, B. David Whitworth and Ralph Johnson.