[REVISION HISTORY]

Earth, Wind & Fire drummer medical emergency

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-16 10:12 UTC → 2026-08-21 05:26 UTC · added ~~removed~~

On August 6, Earth, Wind & Fire postponed a scheduled concert at San Francisco’s Chase Center, alongside Lionel Richie, due to a “medical emergency involving a member of our band.” The postponement occurred minutes before the scheduled 7:30 p.m. start. San Francisco fire officials confirmed a cardiac incident response, and media reports identified the affected individual as drummer John Paris. By mid-August, updates indicated that the 58-year-old Paris remained hospitalized and sedated. Following the initial incident, doctors placed him in an induced coma to manage rising blood pressure and breathing difficulties. While he briefly regained consciousness to speak with family, including his wife, Kathy Merrick, and friend Eddie Mininfield, he required further sedation for critical care. ~~Medical teams~~ As of August 20, Paris remains in intensive care. While his condition has fluctuated, medical updates indicate he is expected to undergo two major surgeries as part of his recovery process. Supporters continue to monitor his ~~condition, with supporters~~ status, noting ~~that Paris~~ he has shown “slight reactions when music is played at his bedside.” ~~According to updates from family and friends, including bassist Verdine White’s wife, Shelly Clark White, medical professionals are monitoring his status to determine the safest path forward.~~ A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family with medical expenses, having raised nearly $70,000 toward a $75,000 goal. The rescheduled San Francisco performance is set for September 26.

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