MONTREAL (AFP)
The drummer for the British rock group Radiohead paid homage to
Scott Johnson, the sound technician killed when an outdoor stage
set up in a Toronto park for a group concert collapsed.
"We have all been shattered by the loss of Scott Johnson, our
friend and colleague," drummer Phil Selway wrote in a brief
statement posted on the group's website.
Johnson died around 2000 GMT Saturday when part of the
metal-frame stage at Downsview Park collapsed, a Toronto police
spokesman said.
Johnson "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," read the message, signed simply "Phil."
The late Johnson, 33, was a native of Doncaster, England,
according to a group spokesman cited by Canadian media.
The Saturday accident occurred about three and a half hours
before the show was to start.
The concert was canceled and officials opened a probe into the
cause of the accident. Contrary to early speculation, there were
no strong gusts of wind at the time the stage collapsed.
According to Radiohead's official website, the Toronto concert
was sold out. Downsview Park can accommodate up to 40,000
spectators.
