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Iconic 80s band dealt crushing blow as legendary member put into coma

The band had been due to take to the stage with Lionel Richie in California but with hours to go, the drummer fell into a coma after a harrowing cardiac arrest incident

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Earth Wind and Fire have suffered a devastating blow after their drummer suffered a harrowing health problem backstage(Image: Getty Images)

One of the most iconic bands of the 1980s has suffered a huge blow after one of its members was put into a coma. It came just hours before the band were due to perform with a legendary singer.

Earth, Wind and Fire have dominated the charts for decades thanks to their huge hits, including the well-known September. The band have been on tour, performing across the world including recently when they performed at new festival Electric Paradise in Milton Keynes.

However, the band have now had to put their music on temporary hold after the drummer of the band was reportedly placed into a medically induced coma. This came after he suffered a terrifying cardiac arrest right before going on stage.

[John Paris]

John Paris had been due to perform with the band before he suffered a "cardiac incident"(Image: Getty Images)

According to TMZ, who broke the story, John Paris had been due to play alongside the band together with hitmaker Lionel Richie. But just hours before the gig was supposed to go ahead, Paris, 58, suffered a "cardiac incident".

He was quickly taken to hospital and was described by the San Francisco Fire Department as being in a critical condition. Now, the star is said to be fighting for his life, as a pal speaks out on just how terrifying the situation was.

In an update from Shelly White, the wife of Paris' bandmate Verdine White, Paris was left unconscious, but was able to regain consciousness for a short time. Taking to her Facebook on Thursday (August 13), she said Paris' current status is not currently known.

[John Paris]

Close pals of the star said he has had to be put into a coma twice to save his life(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)

She added that tour manager Toshi was supporting Paris throughout the entire ordeal, commending her for her "steady presence, care, and support" during what was a harrowing event. John was then taken to hospital and put into an induced coma to provide immediate treatment.

His family then stayed with him for several days as he received medical care, but John suddenly awoke and started looking around the room. After asking where his wife Kathy was when he woke up, he quipped: "Get me outta here man!"

The moment lasted just for a few seconds, as his blood pressure soon began to spike and he struggled to breathe. Doctors were forced to put him under once again so his body could stabilise.

Shelly insisted that John is still with them, as according to her he shows slight responses when he hears music. She added: "Johns journey is far from over, there is so much hope that surrounds him."

Before signing off, she pleaded with fans to pray for John and his family. She finished: "Your kindness, your encouragement, and your unwavering support continue to lift this family during the most difficult days of their lives."

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