Earth, Wind & Fire Drummer John Paris Placed in Medically Induced Coma Following Cardiac Incident

John Paris, drummer for Earth, Wind & Fire since 2001, has anchored the band’s live sound and studio work across albums including The Promise, Illumination, Now, Then & Forever, and Holiday. Before joining the group he recorded and toured with Sheila E., Stephanie Mills, Patti LaBelle, Wayman Tisdale, Mica Paris, and later Kelly Clarkson. The 58-year-old remains in a medically induced coma after a cardiac incident that forced the postponement of Earth, Wind & Fire’s August 6 date with Lionel Richie at San Francisco’s Chase Center.

According to recent reports, Tour manager Toshi stayed with Paris through the emergency. Wife Kathy Merrick (who performs with Shelly Clark White in Honey Cone), daughter Kyla, and close friend Eddie have remained at his side. Paris briefly opened his eyes, asked “Where’s Kathy?,” then looked at Eddie and said, “Get me outta here man!” The moment brought tears, laughter, hugs, and renewed hope before it ended. His blood pressure rose and breathing trouble returned, leading doctors to sedate him again. He has since shown slight responses when music is played. 

A GoFundMe launched for Paris and Kathy Merrick has raised more than $70,000 as of August 15. The incident is the second health interruption on the Sing a Song All Night Long tour after Lionel Richie’s earlier issue in June.