Radiohead wants apology in fatal Toronto stage collapse

Radiohead has posted a statement demanding an apology for the Toronto stage collapse, that killed one and injured three in 2012.

Scott Johnson, 33, was working as a stage technician when he was killed at Downsview Park during a Radiohead concert on June 16, 2012.

The statement was made on behalf of Johnson’s family, indicating they have yet to receive any word on the company responsible for Johnson’s death.

Part of the statement reads “At the beginning of the process, Scott’s father Ken said that all he wanted was for those responsible to hold their hand up, admit responsibility, and to make sure that it never happens to anyone else”.

Radiohead and Johnson’s parents say they hold Optex Staging is responsible for the stage collapse. The company has since declared bankruptcy and seven years later, has remained silent on the situation. Company lawyers have also made attempts to blame external resources such as host of the event Live Nation and the proofing engineers.

In 2012, Dale Martin, owner of Optex Staging told CBC that his company is not responsible for the stage collapse. Martin also says that it was his expectation that the engineer would ensure the structure was safe.

An inquest was held in Toronto in April 2018. The results of the inquest indicated that “plans for the stage were riddled with mistakes, the wrong building components were used in key areas and the construction was behind schedule.”

A U.K coroner made another inquest further indicating that the stage was significantly flawed.

Coroner Nicola Mundy says that “inadequate technical advice on construction and design coupled with wholly inadequate construction techniques led to the collapse of the roof system, which caused Mr. Johnson’s death.

To honour Johnson following the incident, Radiohead started a bursary program in August 2012. The program, known as The Scott Johnson Bursary, is a fund to help young musicians afford equipment in Johnson’s home town of Rotherham, UK