Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris placed into induced coma

Earth, Wind & Fire's John Paris has been placed into an induced coma.

The drummer was hospitalised ahead of a San Francisco concert on 6 August.

Singer Shelly Clark-White, who is married to the band's bassist, Verdine White, updated fans with an update on the Facebook page, Standing for John Paris. The page was created by the Whites and Paris's longtime friend Tazz Cole.

The post did not disclose the specifics of Paris' condition but clarified that the decision to place him into a coma came after he experienced hypertension and had difficulty breathing.

"Over the past several days, we have intentionally kept many details of John's condition private out of respect for him and his family," the post states.

"As information has begun to circulate publicly, we feel it's important that everyone hears the story directly from us so there is no confusion about where things stand today.

"Today, John remains resting under sedation while his medical team carefully monitors him and determines the safest path forward," the post reads.

"Although this has been an emotional roller coaster, there have continued to be small moments that give those closest to him hope."

Paris, who has been part of the Earth, Wind & Fire lineup for the past 25 years, was rushed to hospital just before the band's appearance on 6 August as part of Lionel Richie's Sing a Song All Night Long Tour.

A GoFundMe page for the drummer has raised more than $70,000 (£52,000) as of 16 August.