Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris was placed in a medically-induced coma following a “cardiac accident” on August 6.
Paris was rushed to a local hospital minutes before the famed group was set to perform at San Francisco’s Chase Center while on tour with Lionel Richie.
A family friend announced his hospitalization on a Facebook page, saying, doctors placed him in an induced coma after he arrived at the hospital so they could provide critical care.
Paris, 58, briefly opened his eyes, glanced around the room and asked for his wife. “Where’s Kathy?” he said, referring to his wife, Kathy Merrick.
The Facebook post said Paris’ blood pressure began to rise and he had difficulty breathing. His doctors then placed him in a medically-induced coma.
“Today, John remains resting under sedation while his medical team carefully monitors him and determines the safest path forward,” the page said.
In addition to Earth, Wind & Fire, Paris has worked with artists such as Sheila E, Stephanie Mills, Patti LaBelle, Kelly Clarkson and more.
The Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire concert will be rescheduled, the Chase Center said in a statement.
Lionel Richie, 77, postponed 2 concerts after an episode of dizziness while on stage in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 24.
The 4-time Grammy Award winner told the crowd that he was feeling dizzy, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported. “When you are feeling dizzy, sit your a*s down,” he joked, before sitting at a piano to perform “Three Times a Lady.” He then took an unscheduled intermission, the Star Tribune reported.
BREAKING: Lionel Ritchie concert in St Paul at Grand Casino Arena canceled mid-show. Ritchie sat down on stage during “Dancing on the Ceiling”, said he felt dizzy. Performed one more song at piano, “Three Times a Lady”, then announced unplanned intermission. Did not return. pic.twitter.com/RNalkYHnmG
— Patrick Kessler (@PatKessler) June 25, 2026