There has been a frightening new twist in the medical crisis surrounding Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris.
Paris, 58, reportedly briefly emerged from his medically induced coma, recognized loved ones and wanted out of the hospital-only for doctors to sedate him again when his blood pressure climbed and he began struggling to breathe.
The longtime drummer has been hospitalized since suffering a critical medical emergency on August 6, shortly before Earth, Wind & Fire were scheduled to take the stage with Lionel Richie at San Francisco's Chase Center. The emergency forced the concert to be postponed.
A Brief Moment Of Hope
According to updates from those close to Paris, doctors initially placed him in an induced coma while they provided critical care.
Then came the moment his family had desperately been waiting for.
Paris briefly regained consciousness and recognized the people around him. Reports say he asked for his wife, singer Kathy Merrick of Honey Cone, acknowledged close friend Eddie Mininfield and was alert enough to communicate.
But the encouraging breakthrough didn't last.
Paris reportedly became agitated and wanted to leave the hospital. As his blood pressure rose and breathing became difficult, doctors determined that he needed to be sedated again so they could stabilize his condition.
For his family, it has become an agonizing emotional roller coaster: the musician they love was awake and responding-and then, almost as quickly, he was back under sedation.
There has been another encouraging sign, however. Those close to Paris say he has shown small physical responses when music is played at his bedside.
For a man who has spent decades communicating through rhythm, that detail has understandably struck an emotional chord with supporters.
The Man Behind Earth, Wind & Fire's Beat
Paris isn't simply a touring substitute. He has been a longtime member of Earth, Wind & Fire, joining the legendary group in 2001 and contributing drums and vocals. The band's official website currently lists him among its members.
His résumé extends well beyond the group behind classics such as "September," "Shining Star" and "Let's Groove." Paris has worked with artists including Patti LaBelle, Sheila E., Wayman Tisdale and Kelly Clarkson.
Meanwhile, the financial realities surrounding an extended medical emergency are mounting. A fundraising campaign established to support Paris and his family had reportedly approached $69,000 toward a $75,000 goal, while Merrick stepped away from Honey Cone performances to remain with her husband.
Earth, Wind & Fire's postponed San Francisco concert has been rescheduled for September 26.
For now, however, the biggest performance anyone is waiting for isn't happening beneath arena lights.
It's happening inside a hospital room, where one of funk and soul's veteran drummers is fighting to get back behind the kit.
