Earth, Wind & Fire members are rallying around the “heartbeat” of the legendary band after a critical medical emergency landed drummer John Paris in the hospital.
Several band members, including saxophonist Gary Bias and keyboardist Myron McKinley, have donated to a GoFundMe set up for Paris. Bias donated $200, and McKinley contributed $500.
Paris reportedly suffered a “cardiac incident” at the arena right before Earth, Wind & Fire were set to perform with Lionel Ritchie at the Chase Center Thursday in San Francisco. The show was canceled because of the medical emergency.
Paris is currently “receiving the care he needs, surrounded by the love of his family and the prayers of countless friends and fans,” according to the GoFundMe.
Shelly Clark, founding member of the girls group Honey Cone, started the fundraiser to help Paris and his wife Kathy Merrick with medical expenses. Merrick is also a founding member of Honey Cone, which has postponed upcoming performances to allow Merrick to tend to Paris.
“His wife, Kathy Merrick, a member of the legendary group Honey Cone, has remained by his side, along with their daughter, Kyla. 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,” the fundraiser said.
“As friends who love and care deeply for John and Kathy, Shelly Clark White and Wendy Smith-Brune’, member of Honey Cone, along with Tazz Cole, longtime friend of Shelly Clark White and Verdine White, have created this GoFundMe to help ease these unexpected expenses and challenges so Kathy can focus on what matters most—being by John’s side during this incredibly difficult time,” it continued.
Other familiar names who donated to the fundraiser include collaborator Grecco Buratto, former Chicago band member Jeff Coffey, and music manager Atron Gregory.
Buratto donated $100, Coffey chipped in $1,000, and Gregory put forward $500.
The fundraiser has raised more than $41,000 towards its $50,000 goal.
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