Kevin Costner and his Modern West bandmates are lucky to be alive, after being trapped under the stage during a brutal storm that hit Saturday's Big Valley Jamboree in Alberta, Canada. One fan was killed and dozens more were injured when strong winds caused the main stage to collapse, sending scaffolding and debris flying into the audience."We would like to extend our warmest sympathy to the family and friends of Donna Moore, who was killed, as well as the family and friends of all those who were injured," Costner and Modern West write on their MySpace page. "Our prayers go out to you, and we wish with all our hearts that your loved ones' stories from the festival were filled only with fond memories of music and celebration."
The band goes on to thank all of the rescue workers who responded so quickly amidst the chaos, treating those injured at the scene. Modern West's guitar player and road manager were two of the many who were taken to a local hospital.
"We are all aware of how lucky we are to be alive, and we are so thankful to be back with our families today. However, our thoughts will continue to be with the city of Camrose and the fans at the Big Valley Jamboree, and we sincerely hope for another opportunity to share music with you."
Kevin Costner and Modern West were about to take the stage when the storms hit. Billy Currington was on the last song of his set when the wind blew the stage down. The singer suffered a mild concussion but is expected to fully recover.
"The boys and I are very grateful to be home and for life itself," Billy wrote on his Twitter page this morning. "We thank you for your prayers and concern."
Billy's bass player Alex Stevens was trapped underneath the stage for almost a half hour. He underwent surgery to repair a severed artery and nerves in his left arm.
Concertgoer Donna Moore was killed when large speakers flew off the stage, crushing her. Friends say she was a huge country music fan who'd been looking forward to the Jamboree for a long time.
"She was pumped to go to Big Valley," friend Warne Noyce tells the Edmonton Journal. "It makes me sick to my stomach because she was such an awesome lady," he said. "She was hanging out watching music with people she loved."






Reader Comments(1 of 1)
j1234bat 8-04-2009
I think there is something wrong with the way we as people think... We are so into focusing and reacting to "the negative, tragedy, devastation, drama thing", that we don't see the big picture. We are all going to die some day, it's a fact. When our bodies leave, we still leave a legacy and our loved ones can remember us well. But to die doing something you absolutely enjoy, and to go quickly too... that is the way to go. Afterall, "We are spiritual beings having a physical experience." Peace.
gjm7754at 8-04-2009
Amen
happyjoyjoy333at 8-04-2009
"We would like to extend our warmest sympathy to the family and friends of Donna Moore, who was killed, as well as the family and friends of all those who were injured," Costner and Modern West write.... "Our prayers go out to you, and we wish with all our hearts that your loved ones' stories from the festival were filled only with fond memories of music and celebration."
Ummmm, Kevin.....Donna doesn't have any fond memories, she died, And the family & friends don't have fond memories either, because, um - they got hurt. Remember?
donnaat 8-04-2009
Maybe that was his point. We WISH all the memories were good ones rather than what they turned out to be. At least he tried to show sympathy and said something.
comtoxat 8-04-2009
Ditto.
Dirty Logicat 8-04-2009
Does anyone else think that this site being pink is a little weird? Every time I view another country music article I can't help but feel like a bimbo cheerleader invaded the cowboy's house and turned it into a queer paradise.
Juliannaat 8-04-2009
might want to check your screen settings. this site is dark brown/cream colored.
Dirty Logicat 8-04-2009
Nope. My colors are just fine. Your post is kind of cream colored, but the background color of this board is a creme color with a definite pinkish tint.
nanjedat 8-04-2009
If kevin costner would simply admit tht he ABSOLUTLTLY can't sing... maybe Donna 9and others injured) would have been at home where it was safe. the moment he started singing there would have been stampeed to the exits.... Sounds harsh tp say these things..., but yes i am truly sorry anyone died.... Stick to acting kevin...