Three punters were injured and hundreds more were given a fright on Wednesday night during a performance by Canadian hard rock outfit Theory of a Deadman at the First Avenue club in Minneapolois, Minnesota after a large portion of the venue’s ceiling collapsed.
As Loudwire reports, the fire department reported that a 30 foot by 30 foot section of the ceiling came crashing down over the balcony and sound booth at around 10pm as the band was in the middle of their performance.
The band members fled the stage and the 750 concertgoers in attendance were evacuated. Two of the three injured punters were taken to a local hospital, but none of the injuries they sustained are said to be life-threatening.
The collapse is said to have been caused by a leaky pipe and perhaps accelerated by the vibrations coming from the band’s amplifiers. Water apparently pooled above the ceiling causing it to crumble under the added weight.
Local band 3 Pill Morning caught a major portion of the collapse as it happened on video and readers can view the footage below. Theory of a Deadman can be heard playing their hit ‘Bitch Came Back’ in the background of the clip.
The band have since issued a statement, writing, “As some of you may be aware or may have witnessed, there was a partial ceiling collapse during our show last night at the First Avenue music venue in Minneapolis.”
“At this time, we have been provided no details as to the cause of the collapse. As with all of our shows, our primary concern is for the safety of all involved; our fans, our crew, the venue staff and anyone and everyone else who may be in attendance.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who may have been injured or otherwise adversely affected by this unfortunate incident. Our sincerest thanks go out to the First Avenue staff, the Minneapolis Fire Department, the paramedics and all the other wonderful people who lent their swift assistance in helping others during the aftermath.”
“We wish the injured a full and speedy recovery. We wish First Avenue a quick turnaround in re-opening the doors of their legendary venue. We look to returning to Minneapolis as soon as possible to play for our amazing friends and fans.”
