Radiohead postpones portion of European tour

TORONTO (AP) — Radiohead has postponed part of its European tour after a stage collapse in Toronto killed the band's drum technician.

A statement posted on the British band's website Thursday says they are dealing with grief from the accident and practical considerations that have forced them to postpone shows in Italy, Germany and Switzerland scheduled through July 9.

Scott Johnson was killed Saturday when the stage came crashing down as the crew set up for a concert in Toronto's Downsview Park. Three other crew members were injured.

The band said the collapse destroyed its light show, which will take weeks to replace. It also caused serious damage to its backline, a term that refers to the amplifiers that typically sit at the back of the stage.

"Whilst we all are dealing with the grief and shock ensuing from this terrible accident, there are also many practical considerations to deal with," the band said.

The statement said new dates for the postponed shows will be announced June 27. The band said it plans to begin performing again on July 10 in Nimes, France.

The cause of the collapse is still under investigation. The Ontario Ministry of Labor has requested documents from four companies involved in the concert: Live Nation, the concert's organizer and promoter, Optex Staging and Services, Nasco Staffing Solutions and Ticker Tape Touring LLP, a company owned by Radiohead.

Toronto-based Optex Staging and Services Inc., is the company that built the stage.

London-based Ticker Tape Touring LLP is part of Radiohead's network of companies that manage the band's merchandise, tours, equipment, music distribution and publishing.

Vancouver-based Nasco Staffing Solutions supplies technical crews for concerts.