Knives Out

Last Friday, Radiohead was in Toronto to do a show at Downsview Park.  A few hours before it started, during some last minute sound checking, the roof of the stage collapsed.  Radiohead's drum technician Scott Johnson was killed.  3 others were injured.  It happened an hour before fans were let into the park and after the band was on stage doing their sound checks.  The concert was immediately cancelled and people who drove hundreds of miles, and had been waiting 7+ hours to be in the front row, all had to turn around and go home.  People as excited as I was to see their first Radiohead concert aren't going to be able to see them.  It's an unspeakable tragedy.  It is horrible for all involved.  After first hearing about it, those first few hours I couldn't help thinking about what could have happened if this had occurred during the show- it made me shaky.  It's such a horrible thing.  I am so sorry for Scott's family.  I'm just sick about it.  I thought about it during that whole night.  I worried about how Thom was doing.  I just felt like this would really affect him badly.  I even thought about all those beautiful monitors, and all of their equipment and guitars-  it had to have been totally destructive to all their stuff.  Not that it matters much in the face of death, but it still plagues my thoughts.  Everything about it is horrible.  The fans that were there, for the most part are being so amazing about their disappointment.  I think back on my feelings the hours before my show in AZ and can't imagine something like this happening.  

 Where were you Radiohead gods?  

Statement on Dead Air Space 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.

Philip

No word from the band since this statement.  They are scheduled to play in Italy next week and no one knows yet if they are cancelling the rest of the tour.  I wouldn't blame them if they did, it was a horrible thing to have happen not to mention the devastation of their equipment.  But I hope they pull it together and come back.  It would show a strength and love that would be amazing to see.   What a concert that first show in Italy would be. 

I just want to tell Thom, Jonny, Colin, Phil and Ed that I love you guys- I feel like this happened to friends of mine- it effected me the same way.  I am so sorry for your loss and I support you in whatever you decide.  RIP Scott, you were amazing at your job.  Hope you are at peace. 

I actually made this post for the purpose of showing this video:  (then decided I should say a few words about what happened)

The Flaming Lips happened to be playing a free concert that night in Toronto.  Many of the RH ticket holders ended up there.  As a tribute, they did a cover of Knives Out.  

What an emotional performance!  Wayne could barely sing and couldn't finish. 

Wayne- you're awesome. What a classy thing to do.  

What's up with your giant fur scarf?

*********Update************

They just announced today that they are rescheduling the European dates, and those dates will be posted in about a week.  Nothing about rescheduling Toronto though- hope they do something for those poor fans (but maybe not at Downsview..........).  

Read their official statement here.  There is a little bit of info on their equipment damage.