Radiohead Drum Tech’s Death Due to “Inadequate Construction Techniques,” Coroner Says
In 2012, Radiohead drum technician Scott Johnson died following a stage collapse at Toronto’s Downsview Park. Radiohead were slated to perform later that evening, but canceled the concert after the tragic event. Now, after years of legal proceedings, coroner Nicola Mundy of Doncaster, England has gone on record saying that Johnson’s death was due to “inadequate technical advice” and “wholly inadequate construction techniques,” as ITV reports.
Mundy’s remarks were part of a second inquest into Johnson’s death. The first began March 25 in Toronto. That inquest ended in April, however no definitive language was revealed regarding the cause of the stage collapse.
When reached for comment, Scott Johnson’s father Ken gave Pitchfork the following statement:
I am pleased that the obvious was stated in regard to the series of errors that murdered Scott. The consideration of the MOL engineers report clearly identifies the issues, as did the Toronto Coroners Inquest. To some degree, we feel that this marks the end of the paperwork into Scott's death, but I sense that for some, it is a beginning. For me, I also need to know that this could not happen again. Not enough effort was put into Risk Assessment, a phenomenon worldwide it seems... The next week will be interesting in determining further measures.
Members of Radiohead have spoken out multiple times to address the tragedy of Johnson’s death. In 2018, Thom Yorke took a moment during the band’s concert in Toronto to say that the people who should be held accountable for the stage collapse “are still not being held accountable in your city. The silence is fucking deafening.” Yorke asked the audience to hold a moment of silence before the band performed “Karma Police.” Drummer Philip Selway has also been vocal regarding the “frustrating” legal proceedings around Johnson’s death.
Read “Waiting on Justice for the Radiohead Stage Collapse That Killed Scott Johnson” on the Pitch.
Pitchfork has reached out to representatives for Scott Johnson and ITV for further comment.
Originally Appeared on Pitchfork
