Radiohead stage collapses in Toronto, drum-tech killed

The drum technician for the alternative band Radiohead has died as a result of a collapse of the stage’s overhanging metal works. The incident occurred just as fans were arriving to the show, around 4 PM.

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Multiple stage crewmembers were on-stage at the moment of collapse. Many were able to flee from the falling scaffold but drum-tech Scott Johnson was pinned and killed during the accident.

"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," said band members.

In addition to the drum-tech, two other crewmembers were seriously injured. They were sent to a local hospital in Toronto for their injuries.

Currently, four companies are being asked to comply with ongoing investigation of the incident, mostly involving Live Nation.

In addition to Live Nation, Optex Staging and Services, Inc., Nasco Staffing Solutions and Ticker Tape Touring are being investigated. The engineer-approved blue prints of the stage have already been provided.

40,000 fans were expected to be in attendance for Saturday’s concert. The event was cancelled immediately after the incident.

This incident falls 10 months after the Indiana State Fair incident that crushed and killed 7 fans in attendance.

This brings up a very serious issue with the live event industry. Safety has been compromised with the growth of the number of events and event scaffolding companies. It seems as inexperienced builders and low quality stages are proving too common. With the extreme lavishness of today’s stages, proper safety cannot be compromised.

The lives of the talent, show production crews and fans should be protected and the number one priority for planners and organizers. Those planning on executing large-scale events should be wary of those they contract to build and should have a safety standard procedure in place.