John Paris, the longtime drummer for Earth, Wind and Fire, is said to have been sedated in hospital after suffering a critical medical emergency shortly before the group was due to perform with Lionel Richie in San Francisco.

The 58-year-old musician was reportedly taken to hospital on August 6 after emergency crews responded to an incident at the Chase Center, where Earth, Wind and Fire were scheduled to appear alongside Lionel on their Sing a Song All Night Long North American tour.

The San Francisco concert was postponed and has since been rescheduled for September 26.

An update shared by Shelly Clark White, the wife of Earth, Wind and Fire bassist Verdine White, said John had briefly regained consciousness after doctors placed him in an induced coma as part of his treatment.

With his wife Kathy Merrick and daughter Kyla at his bedside, John is said to have opened his eyes and asked: "Where's Kathy?"

After seeing his wife, he is said to have turned to his close friend Eddie Mininfield and said: "Get me outta here man!"

Shelly wrote online of the reaction in the hospital room: "There were tears, laughter, hugs, and renewed hope."

John was reportedly subsequently sedated again after his blood pressure increased and he experienced breathing difficulties.

He remains under close medical supervision while doctors determine how to proceed with his treatment.

Shelly said John had shown slight responses when music was played to him during his hospitalization. She wrote: "John's journey is far from over.

"There is so much hope that surrounds him."

Kathy, a singer with Honey Cone, and Kyla have remained close to John during his hospitalisation, while Eddie has also been at his bedside.

A fundraising campaign established to help the family with expenses associated with John's care had raised more than $66,000 by Thursday (13.08.26).

Honey Cone has also postponed performances while Kathy remains with her husband.

Earth, Wind and Fire announced the postponement of the Chase Center performance shortly before the concert was due to begin.

The group said: "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."

The band subsequently resumed the tour without John, performing in Palm Desert on August 8.

Their 2026 dates with Lionel formed a 26-city North American run that began in June, with scheduled stops including Toronto, New York and Los Angeles.

John has been Earth, Wind and Fire's drummer since 2001 and is also credited with vocals. His recording work with the group includes The Promise, Illumination, Now, Then and Forever and Holiday.

Before joining the band, he worked with artists including Sheila E., Patti LaBelle and the late Wayman Tisdale.

Earth, Wind and Fire remain among the most successful funk, soul and R and B groups in American music, with a catalogue that includes September, Shining Star, Boogie Wonderland, After the Love Has Gone and their version of the Beatles' Got to Get You into My Life.

The current line-up includes founding bassist Verdine alongside Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, keyboardist Myron McKinley, guitarist Morris O'Connor, guitarist Serg Dimitrijevic, vocalist and percussionist B. David Whitworth and vocalist Oshun Shango Oshunde.

The group's San Francisco show with Lionel will now take place at the Chase Center on September 26, with tickets purchased for the original August 6 concert remaining valid.