Sugarland Pay Silent Tribute to Victims of Stage Collapse
Sugarland are still recovering from the heartache of the unimaginable tragedy that occurred when their stage collapsed at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday, August 13. The duo, comprised of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, canceled their show that was scheduled for August 14 in Des Moines, Iowa, so they could spend some time with their loved ones, as they grieved for their fans' families and friends, five of whom were killed in the accident. But the resilient twosome, who said that their "emotions have us yearning to be close to each other immediately," returned to the concert hall last night in Albuquerque, N.M., with a heartfelt message for their fans.
"I am sure that by now all of you are well aware of the tragedy that occurred at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday," a somber Jennifer said from the stage, flanked by the entire band [quote via the Washington Post]. "Moments before we were about to take the stage, a huge gust of wind blew in and collapsed the entire stage, wounding over forty people and killing five. In honor of those people who were wounded, and those beautiful lives that were lost, we ask that you would stand now and join us in a moment of silence."
The reigning ACM Top Vocal Duo of the Year reveal they are also planning a special service of their own to commemorate those whose lives tragically ended that night. "We are in the process of planning a private memorial in Indiana, to honor those fans who died," the twosome shared in a letter on their website. "We would first like to hold space so that their families can have time to go through their own services and memorials. Until that time we are holding vigil for them. We join them on their mourning benches. And we stand in the gap asking God to offer them peace and healing. For those suffering from injury we hold you up with prayers for complete healing of your own."
The tunesmiths will play tonight (August 19) in Colorado, followed by shows in Utah and California. See their schedule here.