Victim of Radiohead Stage Collapse Identified as Drum Technician

The man killed when a stage roof collapsed Saturday afternoon just before a Radiohead concert in Toronto has been identified as Scott Johnson, 33, from South Yorkshire, England. He was a drum technician for the band, the BBC and The Globe and Mail reported. Mr. Johnson also worked for Keane, another British band.

Three people were injured in the collapse, which occurred shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday on a temporary stage that had been erected in Downsview Park. An unidentified 45-year-old man was taken to a hospital with a head wound that the police said did not appear to be life-threatening. The two other men were treated for minor injuries.

The accident took place just an hour before the gates opened. An estimated 40,000 people were expected to attend the concert that night, which was to start at 7 p.m.

Inspectors from Ontario’s Labor Ministry were combing the wreckage to find what caused the superstructure over the stage, which was designed to serve as a roof and to hold lights and other apparatus, to come crashing down onto the stagehands who were setting up instruments, microphones, amplifiers and other equipment.

Though there were several similar accidents at festivals and concerts last year, most of them involved high winds. The weather on Saturday in Toronto was fair with light breezes.

Radiohead drum tech Scott Johnson dies at Toronto Stage Collapse

Last night’s tragedy at Downsview Park in Toronto leaves everyone in shock, as crew member Scott Johnson did not survive the stage collapse.

Scott Johnson

Scott Johnson was Radiohead’s drum tech. The 33-year-old, from Doncaster in Yorkshire, died after the top portion of the stage fell in on him as he was setting up for the show. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, band and crew. 

Radiohead’s drummer Philip Selway comments on his death: “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.”

Apart from Radiohead, Scott also worked for bands like Keane and White Lies. Ian West, Scott Johnson’s drum teacher in Doncaster, said his former pupil toured the world with famous bands, including Radiohead and Keane, he told The Telegraph: “It was a very, very big shock. He was a great student and a great drummer. He got a lucky break and made the most of it, he never looked back. He was a fantastic guy, never down, very enthusiastic. He was very thoughtful and would do anything for you, he was spot on.

Keane, who Scott worked for as well, posted a message on their website: “We lost our great friend Scott Johnson on Saturday. Scott has been part of our touring family since 2004, working as drum tech, stage manager, and studio tech, but he gave us so much more – he saw the good in everything. He was the cheerful, dependable guy you could always turn to, who lifted the spirits of everyone around him. We can’t believe he’s gone. Our thoughts are with his family and friends; Radiohead and their crew. We love you Scotty, we’ll miss you.”

Jack Brown of White Lies said on Twitter: “Devastated to learn that the man killed in the Radiohead stage collapse was drum tech Scott Johnson. Scott worked with White Lies on a show earlier in the year as my drum tech. A very talented man and a lovely guy all round. Glad to have known him. A big loss. RIP Scott.”

Geoff Barrow of Portishead and band mate of Clive Deamer, who drums with Radiohead on this tour tweeted: “Shocking to hear the passing of crew member Scott Johnson of the radiohead tour – my thoughts and condolences are with everyone involved.”

Tim Burgess of The Charlatans said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Scott Johnson – the drum tech for Radiohead who tragically died yesterday”

Watch an interview with Scott from 2009 at the V Festival below.

16 days ago by Adriaan Pels in Radiohead News | You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.