Cheap Trick have filed a $1 million lawsuit against the Ottawa Bluesfest after a stage collapse nearly killed them in 2011. The band accused the music festival of putting “economic considerations over safety” at the site’s main stage, which collapsed during a storm.
Cheap Trick were half way through their evening performance on July 17, 2011 when wind gusts of 73 mph began to rock the stage. As the structure caved in, lead singer Robin Zander began to shout, “Get off the stage! Go, go, go!” The group and more than a dozen crew-members frantically jumped off the stage, narrowly avoiding death.
According to CBC News, Cheap Trick claims “Bluesfest breached their contract by not providing a safe place to play on July 17, 2011, neglecting to properly evaluate the risks or monitor the weather before a 117 kilometre per hour gust of wind toppled the stage, injuring three people.”
Cheap Trick are seeking $400,000 to repair and replace musical equipment, including guitars, amplifiers and drums. The other $600,000 is for special damages, which include interim replacement equipment, labor and travel, according to the statement of claim.
None of these allegations have yet to be proven in court.
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First Reported: Cheap Trick Cancels Gig Over Stage Worries After Near-Fatal Accident
