Last week, Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire abruptly canceled their concert after a band member suffered a medical emergency.
Initially, reports state the unidentified bandmate had a “cardiac incident” in the San Francisco arena hours before showtime.
His identity remained private under HIPAA, but a new public plea has confirmed the band member’s identity and provided an update on his recovery
On Aug. 9, a GoFundMe account was discovered, hoping to raise $50,000 for Earth, Wind, & Fire’s drummer John Paris.
The post states that Paris, who has played with the band for 25 years, is back home with family but still needs financial help.
Lionel Richie Tour Hit with Sudden Crisis After Earth, Wind & Fire Member Rushed to the Hospital
Paris’ wife, Kathy Merrick, and their daughter, Kyla, have remained by his side as medical-related expenses mount. This includes lodging, meals, and other unforeseen challenges that lie ahead.
Merrick is also a member of R&B group Honey Cone. Founding member Mashelle “Shelly” Clark organized the GoFundMe and named Merrick as its beneficiary.
The post states, “So Kathy can remain where she needs to be — by John’s side — Shelly Clark White, founding member of Honey Cone, has canceled the group’s remaining performances for at least the next couple of months.”
So far, the GoFundMe has raised more than $$41,723.
Merrick has not made any public statements about her husband of over 30 years. Still, Paris’ exact diagnosis has not been publicly clarified.
Earth, Wind & Fire continued its California tour with stops in Palm Desert and Los Angeles. The band delivered its signature sound and colorful stage style to fans.
Meanwhile, percussionist and drummer Sonny Emory, who previously played with the band, filled in for Paris as he recovers.
Emory shared a selfie of himself smiling with the group’s bassist Verdine White before their performance. White is the brother of the late founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire Maurice White.
In the caption, Emory wrote, “We received encouraging news about my brother John Paris this morning. I unexpectedly got a call to sub for him with Earth Wind and Fire. this is myself and Verdine White after yesterdays Sound check at Intuit Arena LA it was a great gig and we had a blast.”
White reposted Clark’s GoFundMe, and in the comments one person said Gordon Campbell was filling in. Clark clarified that Campbell would only be doing some of the dates, whereas Emory was doing L.A.
Under White’s posts, fans sent their well-wishes to Paris.
One person said, “Get well John! We love ya!” Another person typed, “Constantly praying for our brother John.”
A third wrote, “Oh my goodness sending positive vibes for a full recovery.”
Paris has toured with other famous singers such as Sheila E. and has played the drums on Stephanie Mills’ 1987 album “If I Were Your Woman” and Patti LaBelle’s 1991 “Burnin’.”
He’s maintained a relationship with Sheila E., and “The Glamorous Life” singer even visited him when he was hospitalized.
In a social media post, she thanked fans for their support and candidly shared that while Paris’ healing journey is nowhere near over, things are still looking up.
In regard to the GoFundMe page, she said, “There will probably be multiples because this is going to be a long-time recovery. But he’s healing.”
Paris joined Earth, Wind, & Fire in 2001 and has recorded with them on four of their albums.
