Earth, Wind & Fire Drummer Wakes From Induced Coma, Now Faces 2 Major Surgeries

While hitting the road with Lionel Richie for the Sing a Song All Night Long Tour, the hitmaker brought Earth, Wind & Fire along for the ride. With fans clamoring to get tickets, the tour was a massive success. But sadly, it came to a screeching halt for Earth, Wind & Fire when they had to cancel their concert. Explaining how the decision came after a medical emergency involving drummer John Paris, the band shared some positive news about the musician’s health. 

Since the medical emergency, Paris has faced numerous obstacles. Placed in a medically induced coma, the drummer eventually woke up. With family, friends, and fans thrilled over the news, doctors placed him back into the coma to help stabilize his condition. While he remained in the intensive care unit, his wife, Kathy Merrick, prepared for the long road ahead. 

Speaking with People, Merrick said, “This journey is definitely a marathon, but JP is fighting every single day and our hope is strong. 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.” 

[RELATED: “Heartbroken” Lionel Richie Cancels More Shows in Wake of Hospitalization]

John Paris GoFundMe Soars Over $82,000

Although positive about the future, the musician’s family watched the medical bills quickly stack up. Creating a GoFundMe to help ease the burden of his treatment, the fundraiser already climbed over $82,000. With some donating $10,000, the family wrote, “Today, we’re asking family, friends, fans, and the music community to surround John and Kathy with the same love, kindness, and generosity they have shared with so many throughout the years.”   

As for the future, a spokesperson for the group reiterated that Paris still faced a difficult road ahead despite the encouraging progress. “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.” 

With the family keeping fans updated while asking for privacy, Paris continued to focus on the difficult recovery. And with two surgeries still on the horizon, those closest to the drummer remained hopeful that each procedure would bring him one step closer to returning home. 

(Photo by Suzanne Cordeiro/Corbis via Getty Images)