The legendary group previously canceled its Aug. 6 show “due to a medical emergency involving a member of our band”
Credit: Chris McKay/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Earth, Wind & Fire has shared a health update after the band’s drummer, John Paris, suffered a medical emergency, forcing the group to abruptly cancel a show earlier this month
- Paris has woken up from a medically induced coma; however, he remains in intensive care and will require two major surgeries as part of his recovery process
- A GoFundMe has been launched to support Paris’ family as they navigate his ongoing health challenges
Earth, Wind & Fire is giving their fans an update after abruptly canceling shows earlier this month due to a medical emergency involving band member John Paris.
The 58-year-old drummer has woken up from a medically induced coma, a rep for band member Verdine White confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement on Thursday, Aug. 20.
On Aug. 6 while on the Sing A Song All Night Long Tour with Lionel Richie, the legendary musicians, whose hits include “September,” “Let’s Groove Tonight,” and “Shining Star,” announced in a since-deleted social media post that it would no longer perform as planned that night at Chase Center in San Francisco “due to a medical emergency involving a member of our band.”
Credit: Chris McKay/Getty
The group did not disclose which member the medical emergency involved.
Roughly a week later, White’s wife Shelly Clark White and friend Tazz Cole shared an official update on Facebook, stating that details were “intentionally” kept private.
“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,” Clark White and Cole said, adding that Paris was placed in “an induced coma while [doctors] worked to provide the critical care he needed.”
The Facebook update noted that when Paris woke up, there was “renewed hope” for his recovery, but “that moment was short-lived,” and he was placed back into the coma to stabilize him.
He has since woken up again, according to Thursday’s statement.
“Since our last few updates, there have been both encouraging moments and new challenges. As we’ve said from the beginning, recovery isn’t a straight line, and John’s journey continues to remind us of that every day,” the spokesperson told PEOPLE.
“Many of you may remember that earlier in John’s journey, he briefly awakened before needing to be sedated again. Since then, we’ve experienced another significant milestone—John woke up again. This time, there was encouraging progress,” the statement continued.
Credit: Suzanne Cordeiro/Corbis via Getty
While being “closely” monitored, Paris’ blood pressure has remained stable and his breathing strong.
Despite his progress, Paris will need two major surgeries as part of his recovery, and will remain in the intensive care unit.
“This journey is definitely a marathon, but JP is fighting every single day and our hope is strong,” his wife Kathy said in a statement shared with PEOPLE Thursday, asking for prayers for the couple and their daughter Kayla.
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“John has already overcome obstacles that once seemed impossible, and while there is still a long road ahead, each step forward gives everyone around him renewed hope,” she said.
A GoFundMe has been started to help their family as Paris continues to recover.
“Thank you for continuing to STAND WITH JOHN,” Thursday’s statement continued. “We will share updates as we are able and when there is meaningful news to report.”
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