Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris has briefly regained consciousness for a second time after being placed in a medically induced coma, but his family says he now faces two further major surgeries as part of his recovery. The 58-year-old's condition first became public on 6 August, when a scheduled performance in San Francisco on the band's joint tour with Lionel Richie was postponed minutes before curtain due to a "medical emergency." His ongoing treatment matters both to fans of the veteran funk group, founded in 1969, and to his family, who are appealing for continued support during what they describe as a long recovery.

According to an update posted on the "Standing for John Paris" Facebook page, run by bandmate Verdine White and family friends, Paris initially woke briefly before needing to be sedated again; this time, doctors say his blood pressure and breathing remained stable, allowing further testing that revealed he needs two more unspecified major surgeries, meaning an extended stay in intensive care. His wife, Kathy Merrick, described the recovery as "a marathon" and thanked supporters for their prayers. Earth, Wind & Fire resumed the tour two days after the postponed show with former member Sonny Emory standing in on drums, and the rescheduled San Francisco date is now set for 26 September; a GoFundMe for medical costs has raised over $82,000 of its $90,000 target.