Earth, Wind & Fire Drummer John Paris Wakes From Medically Induced Coma Again, But Facing ‘Two Major Surgeries’

The friends and family of Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris have given an update on the musician’s recovery from what was described as a critical medical emergency earlier this month that resulted in doctors putting the 58-year-old in a medically induced coma.

In a post on the Standing for John Paris Facebook page — maintained by EW&F co-founder bassist Verdine White and several of Paris and his wife Kathy Merrick’s friends — the past week has featured “encouraging moments and new challenges.” They recalled that Paris briefly woke up from his coma and then needed to be sedated again, before recently waking up again.

“This time, there was encouraging progress,” they wrote. “Over the next couple of days, his medical team monitored him closely. Unlike the first time he awakened, John’s blood pressure remained stable and his breathing stayed strong, allowing doctors to continue evaluating his condition. While continuing to evaluate John’s condition, doctors performed additional testing that gave them a much clearer understanding of what his body needs to continue healing.”

The post said it’s been determined that Paris will need two more unspecified “major surgeries” as part of his recovery, which will require him to remain in the ICU longer than anticipated.

The post shared a note from Paris’ wife, Merrick, who said, “This journey is definitely a marathon, but JP is fighting every single day and our hope is strong. Please keep the prayers, love, and light coming for John, Kathy, Kyla, and the entire family. 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.”

At press time a spokesperson for the band could not be reached for additional comment.

Paris’ condition first came to light on Aug. 6 when EW&F was slated to perform as part of their joint Sing a Song All Night Long tour with Lionel Richie at the Chase Center in San Francisco. At the time, the show was postponed just minutes before curtain, with the band announcing a “medical emergency involving a member of our band.”

The band was back on the tour two days after the postponed show, with former member Sonny Emory filling in for Paris, who joined the veteran band founded in 1969 in 2001; the San Francisco show has been rescheduled for Sept. 26. A GoFundMe has been started to help the family with medical expenses and to date it has raised more than $82,000 of its $90,000 goal.