Crew Member Dies in Tragic Accident Following Avenged Sevenfold / Disturbed Concert in Germany [Update]
Update: Disturbed have expressed their grief over the accident in a Facebook post seen below.
Avenged Sevenfold played a concert last night (Feb. 20) in Stuttgart, Germany. After the show, while the crew was breaking down the stage, a tragic accident occurred, killing a crew member and seriously injuring another.
The band has issued the following statement: "We have some very sad news to report. Last night after our show in Stuttgart, Germany, a 26-year-old stagehand fell from the rafters while breaking down our stage. He fell a very far distance onto a 19-year-old man on the local crew. Tragically, the 19-year-old died from his injuries. The other man is now in critical condition at the hospital. This is beyond heartbreaking to everyone in the band and on our crew."
"We all send our thoughts and prayers to the man in the hospital, both families involved, all of the local Live Nation crew and everyone else whose lives have been affected by this terrible accident. We love our crew so much as well as the many local staff who are essential to our show every night wherever we are around the world. This is such a stark reminder of how quickly an accident can happen and lives shattered in the process. When we hear more we will update you."
Disturbed, who are providing direct support for Avenged Sevenfold on tour, also weighed in on the tragedy. The Facebook post (seen in full below). After describing the accident, the band stated, "The Horror and heartbreak felt by everyone on the tour is beyond words. Our deepest condolences go out to that poor 19-year-old's family and our best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to the surviving crew member that fell. We love and cherish all those dedicated crew members that are responsible for making the show happen day in and day out and this horrible tragedy is almost too much to bear. We dedicate the rest of this tour to our fallen brothers. Life is precious and can end in an instant. Make every moment of yours count."
The band has cancelled tonight's show in Milan, Italy, citing singer M. Shadows' laryngitis. They say they will reschedule the show as soon as possible. Avenged Sevenfold are touring Europe with Disturbed through March 10. This summer they'll be part of Metallica's WorldWired tour that launches May 10 in Baltimore, Md.
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