Seven years since a stage collapsed killing drum tech Scott Johnson in Toronto, Thom Yorke of Radiohead addressed the incident during a show in Toronto. According to Pitchfork, the rock band, who are currently in the middle of their summer 2018 tour, performed for the first time in the Canadian city since the accident where York addressed the crowd at the Scotiabank Arena regarding the tragedy.
In his address, he demanded answers over his death. “We wanted to do a show in Toronto, the stage collapsed, killing one of our colleagues and friends,” he said. “The people who should be held accountable are still not being held accountable in your city. The silence is fucking deafening.” After York spoke a few words, he then asked those in the audience to hold a minute of silence. The band then launched into their song, “Karma Police.”
Back in 2012, Radiohead was about to perform to a sold-out show at the Toronto’s Downsview Park when the tragic incident occurred, when the stage’s metal scaffolding suddenly collapsed just an hour before the gates were set to open. The 33-year old from Doncaster was killed, and three others were injured because of the collapse.
During the initial trial, all three defendants had pleaded not guilty. It was announced last September that the court would stay the charged against Live Nation and those other parties who were implicated in Johnson’s death which means that no charges would be brought forward. Radiohead’s drummer, Philp Selway went on BBC’s “Newsnight” Wednesday night to release some of his frustration regarding the case. He said that “The court case broke down on a technicality,” he said. “So there have been no real answers. Without the answers, we can’t ensure that an accident like this can’t happen again.”
Radiohead called for more scrutiny into the incident, writing, “While this is welcomed it does not bring those responsible for Scott’s death to account, and it provides no justice for Scott and his family.”
Scroll down below to watch the video via Consequence of Sound.
Warning: The following clip contains language some people may find offensive.
Photo credit: Raymond Flotat
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