Just over a year ago, Scott Johnson was onstage under a massive roof structure in Toronto, Ontario tuning drums for Radiohead’s upcoming show that night. This would be the last time he ever tuned the kit again, as later that afternoon the roof structure came tumbling down on top of Scott and three other people. The others made it. Scott Johnson was killed.
A year has passed, and Scott Johnson’s dad, Ken, is destroyed. He’s also pissed at how long this is taking, getting some justice for his dead son — who was doing the one thing he loved to do more than anything. All he wants is answers, but the Crown hasn’t any for him. From an interview article at The Spec:
Ken has been searching for answers ever since, crying daily over the loss of his only child, waiting to hear who’s to blame.
The Ministry of Labour recently announced 13 charges against concert organizer Live Nation, a staging company, and an engineer.
A postponed trial is expected to begin Thursday.
“I want to be there,” said Ken, weeping over the phone. “I want to see the people involved and hear what they have to say.”
The charges include eight against Live Nation Canada Inc. and Live Nation Ontario Concerts GP Inc., under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The ministry alleges that Live Nation failed to ensure the stage was adequately designed and that every employer complied with the act.
Optex Staging & Services Inc. faces four charges, and engineer Domenic Cugliari is charged with endangering a worker, resulting from his advice or certification.
The maximum fine against a corporation, if convicted, is $500,000 per charge. Individuals face $25,000 per charge or up to a year in prison.
Ken Johnson, who works for a scaffolding safety association in England, is hoping the trial results in some “lessons” for those involved.
“Maybe people should have done some things differently,” he said. “Whatever the outcome of the trial, I just hope that it’s fair and honest.”
He said Scott was an honest, hard worker living his dream. Tuning drums for Radiohead was a pinnacle in his career, reached after years of determination.
“He always wanted to be a performer, but realized that wasn’t going to pan out,” said Ken, who used to cart his son around to perform small shows as a teen. “This was the next best thing.”
It breaks my heart to read of how this is going. I know legal matters take time and accidents of this nature need investigated — but one has to wonder just exactly what is going to come of this, who is going to pay, and why. “Scott’s message in life was to be fair, and none of this is fair,” said Ken Johnson, interviewed over the phone. “I still cry every day.”
Scott had been on the road with The Killers, the Australian Pink Floyd Show and Keane over the previous 8 years, taking on Radiohead in his career as the pinnacle of his performance. Scott’s dad also talks about calling home once a week or more, spending time with his folks via Skype in his hotel room while on the road.
A memorial fund has been started for Scott Johnson that donates drum kits to students, along with other awesome positive acts for young musicians. Visit the Scott Johnson Bursary Fund for Young Musicians.
