Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris remains hospitalized after S.F. concert emergency
Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris remains hospitalized after experiencing a critical medical emergency shortly before the band’s scheduled concert at San Francisco’s Chase Center.
“John is now receiving the care he needs, surrounded by the love of his family and the prayers of countless friends and fans,” according to a GoFundMe launched to support his family.
The fundraiser noted that Paris’ wife, Kathy Merrick, a member of the vocal group Honey Cone, and daughter have been by his side.
Founding member of Honey Cone Shelly Clark White, aka Mashelle Clark, is listed as the organizer for the GoFundMe campaign.
Earth, Wind & Fire postponed its concert with Richie on Thursday, Aug. 6, shortly before the scheduled 7:30 p.m. start, sending hundreds of fans out of the arena. Live Nation said the show would be rescheduled and that ticket holders could keep their tickets for the new date or seek refunds through the original point of purchase.
The tour continued Saturday, Aug. 8, when Earth, Wind & Fire and Richie performed at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert (Riverside County). The show had been scheduled as the next stop on the pair’s “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour.
Other upcoming performances are Tuesday, Aug. 11, in Phoenix and Friday, Aug. 14, in Austin, according to the band’s tour schedule.
Donations collected through the GoFundMe fundraiser for Paris will help cover travel, lodging, meals and other expenses related to the musician’s hospitalization.
“With their home in the Los Angeles area, this unexpected medical crisis has brought not only emotional heartbreak, but also the growing burden of travel, lodging, meals, countless unexpected expenses, and the unforeseen challenges that lie ahead,” reads the campaign statement.
Earth, Wind & Fire’s concerts aren’t the only ones affected. Clark White noted that she has canceled Honey Cone’s remaining performances “for at least the next couple of months” so that Merrick “can remain where she needs to be — by John’s side.”
Paris is a longtime member of Earth, Wind & Fire but was not part of the band’s original lineup, which was formed in 1969.
Before joining the group, he worked with artists including Oakland native Sheila E., Patti LaBelle and Wayman Tisdale. He is also a member of the music duo Back 2 Basics.