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Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris is in an induced coma after suffering a reported 'cardiac incident' last week.
Paris, 58, was hospitalized last Thursday ahead of the band's show with Lionel Richie at San Francisco's Chase Center, per TMZ.
The San Francisco Fire Department confirmed a fire engine and private ambulance responded to the venue for a 'cardiac incident', and one person was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Bandmember Verdine White's wife Shelly took to Facebook on Thursday, August 13, to give an update on Paris' condition, revealing he briefly woke from an induced coma to address his doting wife Kathy Merrick.
The post read, 'Over the past several days, we have intentionally kept many details of John's condition private out of respect for him and his family.
'As information has begun to circulate publicly, we feel it's important that everyone hears the story directly from us so there is no confusion about where things stand today.
Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris is in a coma after suffering a reported 'cardiac incident' last week - pictured 2010
Paris, 58, was hospitalized last Thursday ahead of the band's show with Lionel Richie at San Francisco's Chase Center, per TMZ - he is pictured with wife Kathy
Bandmember Verdine White's wife Shelly took to Facebook on Friday to give an update on Paris' condition, revealing he briefly woke from an induced coma to address his doting wife Kathy - seen performing with the band in 2025
'When everything unfolded, Earth, Wind & Fire Tour Manager Toshi was by John's side.
'Her steady presence, care, and support during those first moments meant more than words can express, and the family will always be grateful.
'When John arrived at the hospital, his doctors placed him into an induced coma while they worked to provide the critical care he needed.
'From the very beginning, Kathy and daughter Kyla remained by his side.
'One of John's closest friends, Eddie M, has also faithfully remained at his bedside every day, hoping and praying alongside the family.
'Then came a moment no one in the room will ever forget. John opened his eyes.
'He looked around the room and quietly asked, "Where's Kathy?" Once he saw her, you could feel the relief that swept through everyone.
'Then he looked over at Eddie with that wonderfully wicked sense of humor that everyone who knows John has come to love and said, "Get me outta here man!"
The post revealed that 'not too long after' Paris' moment of consciousness, his blood pressure began to rise and he had 'difficulty breathing' - pictured 2017
Paris, B. David Whitworth, Robert Burns, Ralph Johnson, Gary Bias, Verdine White, Reggie Young, Philip Bailey, Jr., and Myron McKinley of Earth Wind And Fire perform at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on August 19, 2017
'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.'
The post revealed that 'not too long after' Paris' moment of consciousness, his blood pressure began to rise and he had 'difficulty breathing.'
'His doctors made the difficult decision to sedate him again so his body could stabilize and continue receiving the best possible care' the post continued.
'Today, John remains resting under sedation while his medical team carefully monitors him and determines the safest path forward.
'Although this has been an emotional roller coaster, there have continued to be small moments that give those closest to him hope.
'Even now, John appears to show slight responses when music is played.
'For a man whose life has been devoted to music, those moments have been incredibly meaningful to everyone at his bedside. John's journey is far from over,
'There is so much hope that surrounds him. We ask that you continue to keep John, Kathy, Kyla, and everyone who loves him in your prayers.
'Your kindness, your encouragement, and your unwavering support continue to lift this family during the most difficult days of their lives.
'Thank you for continuing to STAND WITH JOHN. We will share updates as we are able and when there is meaningful news to report.
Paris is pictured performing in 2015 with Chicago star Lou Pardini
Earth, Wind & Fire are seen in their 1970s heyday (Maurice White is third from left; Ralph Johnson front in red)
The group also includes Philip Bailey, Myron McKinley, Oshun Shango Oshunde, Morris O’Connor, Serg Dimitrijevic, B. David Whitworth and Ralph Johnson.
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for comment and has yet to hear back.
Paris joined Earth, Wind & Fire as their drummer in 2001. Paris has since performed on the band's 2003 studio album The Promise, 2005's Illumination, 2013's Now, Then & Forever and 2014's Holiday.
A statement from the band last week read, '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.
'As a result, tonight’s show with Lionel Richie will be rescheduled, with a new date to be announced soon. Ticket holders should retain their tickets, which will be honored for the new date, or refunds will be available at the point of purchase. We sincerely apologize for the unexpected change and appreciate everyone’s understanding.'
Earth, Wind & Fire burst onto the music scene in 1975 with the number one single Shining Star and went on to have a string of hits through the late 70s and early 80s including Got To Get You Into My Life, September, Boogie Wonderland and After the Love has Gone.
The group released their hit song September in 1978, which is still one of their biggest hits to date, and it was added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry in 2018. They are the proud winners of seven Grammys.