Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris was reportedly hospitalized following a critical cardiac incident on Thursday
.
Drummer John Paris, 58, suffered a critical “cardiac incident” that required emergency transport to a hospital
in San Francisco.
Emergency responders rushed to the Chase Center around 5:30 pm on August 6th, moments before the R&B legends were set to take the stage for their Sing a Song All Night Long Tour
.
Paris has been with Earth, Wind & Fire since 2001.
The band announced via social media: “We are unable to perform as scheduled tonight at Chase Center in San Francisco due to a medical emergency involving a member of our band. As a result, tonight’s show with Lionel Richie will be rescheduled, with a new date to be announced soon.”
Core and longtime touring members Philip Bailey, Verdine White, and Ralph Johnson were not involved in the medical emergency
.
Paris is still in the hospital and his wife had to leave her job and home to care for him
.
Shelly Clark White, founding member of Honey Cone, started a GoFundMe on behalf of Paris and his wife, Kathy Merrick, a musician for Honey Cone
.
Several band members have donated to support Paris.
Saxophonist Gary Bias contributed $200 to the fundraiser, according to the source article’s reporting.
Keyboardist Myron McKinley, who joined the band in 2001 along with Paris, donated $500.
Other music industry figures have also stepped up.
Jeff Coffey, former Chicago band member, chipped in $1,000
.
Paris previously played with artists like Patti LaBelle, Bruce Hornsby, and Kelly Clarkson
.
Music manager Atron Gregory donated $500.
Collaborator Grecco Buratto contributed $100.
“Recently, just before taking the stage in San Francisco, John experienced a critical medical emergency and was rushed to the hospital. That evening’s concert was canceled, and John is now receiving the care he needs, surrounded by the love of his family and the prayers of countless friends and fans,” the GoFundMe organizer, Mashelle Clark, wrote
.
“His wife, Kathy Merrick, a member of the legendary group Honey Cone, has remained by his side, along with their daughter, Kyla. With their home in the Los Angeles area, this unexpected medical crisis has brought not only emotional heartbreak, but also the growing burden of travel, lodging, meals, countless unexpected expenses, and the unforeseen challenges that lie ahead,” according to the fundraiser
.
Shelly Clark White and Wendy Smith-Brune, member of Honey Cone, along with Tazz Cole, longtime friend of Shelly Clark White and Verdine White, created the GoFundMe to help ease these unexpected expenses and challenges so Kathy can focus on what matters most—being by John’s side during this incredibly difficult time
.
The fundraiser has already raised more than $41,000 toward its $50,000 goal.
In the viral moment captured last Thursday at San Francisco’s Chase Center, Earth, Wind & Fire was minutes away from taking the stage with Lionel Richie when emergency responders were called to the venue.
The San Francisco Fire Department told authorities that a fire engine and private ambulance responded to the venue for a cardiac incident, and one person was transported to a local hospital in critical condition
.
None of the group’s three longtime members — Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson — were involved
. The band announced the cancellation on social media without initially identifying the member affected, but it was soon confirmed to be Paris, the band’s drummer since 2001.
TicketMaster has said they are trying to reschedule the San Francisco concert but has not yet issued any specifics
.