Earth, Wind & Fire shared an update on drummer John Paris, who was placed in an induced coma after a medical emergency earlier this month. According to Rolling Stone, Paris, 58, has since woken up again, with the band describing his recovery as a process with both encouraging moments and new challenges.
A representative for band member Verdine White told People that Paris had briefly awakened earlier in his hospitalization before needing to be sedated again. The statement said he has now reached another important milestone and that doctors have seen encouraging progress.
Paris will remain in the intensive care unit and is expected to need two major surgeries, according to the update. His wife, Kathy Merrick, told People that the recovery has been difficult, but said he is fighting every day and that the family’s hope remains strong.
The drummer’s medical emergency happened before Earth, Wind & Fire’s Aug. 6 show with Lionel Richie in San Francisco, which the band postponed. Earth, Wind & Fire later said they hoped to reschedule the concert and apologized to fans for the sudden change.
At first, the band did not identify which member had been affected. A later Facebook update from Shelly Clark White and Tazz Cole confirmed that the details had been kept private intentionally until information began circulating publicly.
