Stage collapse in Toronto claims life of Radiohead crew member

A stage collapse prior to Radiohead's scheduled show at Downsview Park in Toronto on Saturday (6/16) left the band's drum tech dead and injured three other workers, sending one to the hospital. The incident took place at about 4 pm local time, following the band's soundcheck but before any audience members had entered the concert site.

The Radiohead crew member, Scott Johnson, 33, was pronounced dead at the scene. According to a report in the Toronto Star, Johnson had also worked with Keane at the Australian Pink Floyd tribute band.

The cause of the stage collapse is still under investigation, according to the Star. The concert was to have been the finale of the band's North American tour, with expected attendance at about 40,000.

In the aftermath of the accident and the realization that Johnson, a tech respected and liked by many in the touring community, was lost in the accidents, tweets in tribute began to emerge from recording and touring artists.

Jack Lawrence Brown, drummer for the UK band White Lies, tweeted, "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."

Tim Burgess, singer for Charlatans UK, tweeted, "Our thoughts are with the family of Scott Johnson - the drum tech for Radiohead who tragically died yesterday."

Canadian artist Matthew Good tweeted, "Condolences to the entire Radiohead family on the loss of crew member Scott Johnson in yesterday's tragic accident."

Deej Dhariwal, guitarist for UK band Thought Forms, tweeted, "Sad to hear the death of Radiohead drum tech Scott Johnson.. Such a terrible accident and my thoughts are with his friends and family. RIP"

Richard Jupp, drummer for Elbow, tweeted, "RIP Scott Johnson.......lost a great mate and true Pro. A kinder bloke you could not meet....."