Radiohead performs XRT 4D Concert at First Midwest Bank Amphitheater in Tinley Park June 10, 2012 (Photo by Zack Nechvatal)
[photogallerylink id=127649 align=left]As Radiohead mourn the death of their drum technician due to a stage collapse this past weekend in Toronto, the band is postponing its upcoming European tour dates.
The UK rockers released a statement today about the stage collapse at Toronto’s Downsview Park on June 16. It reads:
“As you will probably have heard the roof over the stage collapsed at our show in Toronto killing crew member Scott Johnson and injuring three other crew members. The collapse also destroyed the light show – this show was unique and will take many weeks to replace. The collapse also caused serious damage to our backline, some elements of which are decades old and therefore hard to replace.
Whilst we all are dealing with the grief and shock ensuing from this terrible accident there are also many practical considerations to deal with & consequently we have to try and reschedule the following shows:
June
30: Roma Hippodrome Capanelle
July
1: Firenze Parco delle Cascine
3: Bologna Arena Parco Nord
4: Codroipo Villa Manin
6: Berlin Wuhlheide
7: Berlin Wuhlhedie
9: St Triphon Carriere des Andonces
We aim to announce the new dates for these shows on Wednesday 27th of June and will also supply information on how to obtain refunds on tickets if you cannot come to the show on the new date.
We will start playing live again at Les Arenes Nimes [on July 10 and 11], Bilbao BBK festival [on July 13] and Lisbon Optimus Alive festival [on July 15].
We will make every effort to offer the fans the very best show possible under the circumstances – thanks for your understanding and support.”
Thirty-three-year-old drum technician Scott Johnson was crushed by the stage when it collapsed about 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon. He was reportedly trapped under rubble and pronounced dead at the collapse, the severity of which can be seen in this aerial video. A crowd of 40,000 fans were advised not to come to the venue following the incident, which also injured three other crew members.
Radiohead drummer Philip Selway wrote about the incident on the band’s website on Sunday: “We have all been shattered by the loss of Scott Johnson, our friend and colleague. He was a lovely man, always positive, supportive and funny; a highly skilled and valued member of our great road crew. We will miss him very much. Our thoughts and love are with Scott’s family and all those close to him.”
Additionally, Radiohead’s members have been asked to cooperate in an investigation of the incident by the Canadian Ministry of Labour.
- Jillian Mapes, CBS Local
