Live Nation faces charge in Radiohead mishap

The concert promoter Live Nation and an unnamed engineer are among those facing charges stemming from the collapse of a stage in Toronto last year, hours before the band Radiohead was scheduled to perform, according to Canada’s CBC.

The stage collapse at Toronto’s Downsview Park last June killed a drum technician for Radiohead and injured three others.

The CBC reported that the Ontario Ministry of Labour is charging Live Nation Canada Inc, Live Nation Ontario Concerts GP Inc, Optex Staging & Services Inc and an engineer with violations of Canada’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Live Nation Canada and Live Nation Ontario face four charges apiece. The engineer is facing one charge of “endangering a worker, as a result of his advice that is given or his certification that is made negligently or incompetently.” Optex, which has built stages for Lollapalooza and U2, faces four charges relating to the the structural integrity of the stage.

In a statement at the time, Radiohead said, “We have all been shattered by the loss of Scott Johnson, our friend and colleague. He was a lovely man, always positive, supportive and funny; a highly skilled and valued member of our great road crew.” First hearings in the case are scheduled for June 27 in Toronto.