Morbid Angel has issued an official statement regarding the tragedy along with their plans to perform the rescheduled show this week.
UPDATE: Morbid Angel issued their first official statement on April 1st, following the events that took place on Friday March 31st. Read the statement below.
On behalf of Morbid Angel, we want to first and foremost send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the individual who tragically lost their life last night in the venue roof collapse due to heavy winds from a Tornado.
We lost a brother in Metal last night, and many were hurt and injured in this tragedy. We would like to express how truly thankful we are for those in attendance (Fans, Venue Staff, Bands and Crew) that assisted with getting people out and to safety. We want to thank the First responders (Fire, EMT, Police) that were on the scene quickly and were able to help in getting people out of the venue and to hospitals for treatment as quickly as possible.
YOU ARE TRUE HEROES!
At this time our minds continue to remain with all those who were injured and hospitalized, as well as everyone who was effected by the storms in the surrounding area. We truly hope for a fast recovery of all who were injured.
As a result of the events of last night, we are working to re-scheduling tonight’s show in Joliet, IL to Wednesday April 5th. With that said, our focus remains with the Victims of this terrible storm.
– MA
The band would later, specifically address the fan that was in attendance who tragically lost his life due to the structural collapse and asked fans to donate to the GoFundMe that was set up by the victim’s family.
We want to personally send our heartfelt condolences to the the family and friends of our deceased brother in Metal, Fred Livingston Jr. Anyone who wants to help or show support to the family may do so below.
Below is a note from Fred’s Niece Brittany.
“Last night, my uncle, Fred Livingston Jr. went to the concert at the Apollo theater in Belvidere and unfortunately was identified as the person who didn’t make it.
Our family is beyond devastated. We can’t help comprehend how this could happen to us. Please share and donate if you can.
Fans can make a donation to the family of Fred Livingston Jr. – HERE
Morbid Angel, Revocation and Skeletal Remains were scheduled to perform at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, IL March 31st. However, severe weather in the region is being cited as the reason for a tragic structural collapse that took place during the evening’s performances.
Multiple outlets including ABC 7 Chicago reported at least one casualty has been confirmed along with some 28 more injured, with “several people seen being taken away on stretchers”.
Revocation took to their social media platform to give their account of the situation. “A tornado hit the venue tonight and the roof collapsed. ER crews are still attending to the injured and assessing the situation. Everyone in the bands and crew are safe. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this disaster. More details as they develop.”
Morbid Angel also took to their socials to provide an update. The band shared,
“Tonights show is Canceled due to a Tornado that hit the Venue, and caused the roof, over the area in-front of the stage, and marquee to collapse.
We ask anyone who is still traveling to the venue to please seek shelter and stay safe. We are currently sheltering in place, and want to extend our support and hope that everyone at the show tonight is safe.
Right now our focus is on making sure everyone in the venue tonight is ok and gets home.”
Knotfest contributing photographer Justin Nuoffer was attending the show and managed to capture some of the aftermath of the collapsed marquee and facade that crashed down onto State Street. Nuoffer explained that the show had been suspended to wait out the severe weather – no bands were playing when the collapse took place.
Nuoffer added that theatre staff were already working to move fans to a safer place while the weather continued to batter the building. Once the marquee came down, he added that the fans galvanized to help move debris and ensured that every person was accounted for – reiterating the sense of community came together at the Apollo.
This story is developing. Knotfest will continue to provide updates.
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