Radiohead reschedules shows after stage collapse

Radiohead have announced new dates for a handful of European shows they postponed after a stage collapse in Toronto killed the British band's drum technician Scott Johnson and destroyed their lighting rig and gear.

The concerts have been rescheduled for September and that all original tickets are valid for the new dates.

Drummer Phil Selway took the opportunity to thank fans for the support they've received in the wake of Johnson's death. Thanks to all of you who have sent messages of support over these past couple of weeks," he wrote. "Scott has touched many people's lives and all your sentiments are testament to this. Our thoughts and love remain with Scott's family."

Johnson, 33, was killed and three others were injured when a stage in Toronto's Downsview Park collapsed. The Ontario Ministry of Labour has asked four companies, including one run by Radiohead, to comply with an investigation into the cause of the accident.

The incident has prompted concert producers to call upon the industry to change the way stages are built. "You need to go to steel," Lars Brogaard, Rod Stewart’s production manager since 1985, told Rolling Stone. "The shows nowadays are getting heavier and heavier with the lighting and the video screens. These aluminum roofs, they can’t take the weight."

He noted that the Downsview Park stage appeared to be aluminum. "There's just been too many accidents," he said. "I have guys working who are really upset about it. Why go out and do a show and have something fall on your head and die?"