The family of Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris has provided a heartbreaking update on his condition. In case you weren't aware, a "critical medical emergency" on August 6 led to a concert with Lionel Ritchie being cancelled.
We reported on it when it happened. At the time, details were scarce, with ticketholders being told, "Tonight's show with Lionel Ritchie will be rescheduled". The show was set to happen in San Francisco's Chase Center.
They told fans that a member of Earth, Wind & Fire was unwell. However, they did not reveal who.
Per UCR, the band member who unfortunately had the "critical medical emergency" was identified as John Paris, their drummer.
Paris' bandmates, as well as his family, posted an
"When John arrived at the hospital, his doctors placed him into an induced coma while they worked to provide the critical care he needed."
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They went on to explain a shocking moment "no one in the room will ever forget."
"John opened his eyes," they explained. "He looked around the room and quietly asked, 'Where's Kathy?'," referring to his wife. "Once he saw her, you could feel the relief that swept through the room."
He even felt well enough to have humor about the whole situation. "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!'"
But, unfortunately, "not too long after that, John's blood pressure began to rise, and he had difficulty breathing," they explained.
He was re-sedated and placed back into a medical coma as doctors continue to work on him.
The family also asked fans and friends to "keep John, Kathy, and Kyla [his daughter], and everyone who loves him in your prayers."
We hope that he is on a smooth road to recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.
