Radiohead returned to Toronto for the first time in six years last night, also marking their first show there since a stage collapse killed their drum tech Scott Johnson.
Thom Yorke addressed the tragedy on stage, saying: "We wanted to do a show in Toronto, the stage collapsed, killing one of our colleagues and friends. The people who should be held accountable are still not being held accountable in your city. The silence is fucking deafening."
The band then held a moment of silence before playing ‘Karma Police’.
A court case against Live Nation and other parties potentially involved in Johnson’s death has been repeatedly delayed over the last few years. Last September, a judge decided to stay the case against Live Nation and others effectively bringing it to a standstill.
The band’s drummer Philip Selway appeared on the BBC’s Newsnight last night to discuss the case and express his frustrations against those running the case. "The court case broke down on a technicality," he said. "So there have been no real answers. Without the answers we can’t ensure that an accident like this can’t happen again."
In November, the chief coroner of Ontario ruled that they would be launching an inquest into Johnson’s death. Radiohead responded welcoming the news, but argued that it still does not hold those responsible for Johnson’s death to account.
Radiohead are currently amidst a North American tour.
