Horrible news coming out of Toronto. The stage where Radiohead was set to perform tonight has collapsed, with reports claiming people were underneath. CP24 has released the gravest details via its @CP24 twitter account: “BREAKING: One person has been pronounced dead after the stage collapse at Downsview Park.” That report has not been confirmed, so there’s still hope everyone’s OK. This news comes nearly a year after the stage at the Ottawa Bluesfest was torn off by winds.
Needless to say, tonight’s performance has been cancelled. In an unfortunate case of serendipity, today was the 15th anniversary of the release of Radiohead’s landmark album OK Computer.
UPDATE (5:15 EST): Toronto police have confirmed one fatality while another has been seriously injured.
UPDATE (5:38 EST): Billboard and the CBC are reporting a total of one fatality and three seriously injured.
UPDATE (Monday, June 18th): The person who passed away in the incident has been revealed to be Radiohead drum technician Scott Johnson.
From the Radiohead Dead Air Space blog:
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.
-Philip
