Pearl Jam Offer Condolences to Victims of Radiohead Stage Collapse

It’s a sad time in Radiohead as the band deals with the death of their drum tech, Scott Johnson, who was killed over the weekend during the collapse of their stage while setting up for their Saturday show in Toronto. Three other crew members were injured.

The music community is showing their signs of support, starting with Pearl Jam. Guitarist Mike McCready tweeted, “From myself and the band, our condolences go out to the person who died and those injured from the stage collapse at Radiohead. I am saddened and hope the healing can start soon.”

McCready speaks from a place of personal knowledge as Pearl Jam went through their own tragedy in 2000 when nine fans were crushed to death during an rush to the stage at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark. After the tragic show, the band canceled the two remaining dates of their tour and debated retiring from music.

However, prior commitments kept them going and ended up helping them start the healing process. A month after the tragedy, the group were back onstage in the U.S., and stated that by playing and facing crowds together, they were able to start processing what had happened.

Radiohead drummer Phil Selway tweeted of Johnson, “We will miss him very much,” while the band’s website issued a statement that referred to him as “a friend and colleague” and recognized Johnson as “a highly skilled and valued member of our great road crew” before wishing best thoughts for his family and those close to him.

Scott also worked with such U.K. acts as White Lies and Elbow. White Lies drummer Jack Brown told the BBC, “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 around. Glad to have known him. A big loss. RIP Scott.”

Elbow’s Richard Jupp added, “RIP Scott Johnson. Lost a great mate and true pro. A kinder bloke you could not meet.”