The B-52s have described a terrifying backstage ordeal after their performance at a music festival in France was cancelled just minutes before a violent storm swept through the venue.
The legendary band had been due to perform at the Retro C Trop Music Festival at Château de Tilloloy on June 27, but organisers called off the show as severe weather moved into the area.
In a statement shared on social media, the band apologised to disappointed fans and thanked their crew for helping everyone stay safe.
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“We are so sorry to everyone who came out to Chateau de Tilloloy yesterday. The storm made it impossible to continue, and the safety of our fans and everyone on site had to come first.”
They added: “A huge thank you to our touring crew for their work and care in keeping everyone as safe as possible throughout an incredibly dangerous situation. We hope everyone got home safely.”
Festival organisers later cancelled the event's final day, saying a tornado had destroyed public facilities at the site and made it unsafe to continue.
However, frontman Fred Schneider claimed the situation could have been handled much better, accusing the festival promoter of ignoring the worsening weather.
The B-52's Fred Schneider. Photo Credit: Kim Reinick, Shutterstock
In a lengthy Facebook post, Schneider wrote: “Last night was a total disaster. The promoter knew the dangerous storm that was brewing and on its way to The C Trop Music Festival in Tilloloy, France.”
He alleged that despite lightning already striking nearby, the band were still being told to prepare for their performance.
“Luckily, our tour manager said to hold back 10 minutes because it’s not safe and we have to see what is going on with the storm. Then it was like a whirlwind hurricane force and heavy rain.”
Schneider said members of the band's crew were caught in the storm while trying to secure equipment and were forced to shelter wherever they could as the festival was evacuated.
He also claimed there was little warning given to fans before conditions became dangerous.
“We felt terrible for the fans that have waited in the heat all day for us to perform. And then get very little warning to no warning from the promoter that it wasn’t safe to stay out and make our way to the stage.”
Cindy Wilson, Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson of the B-52s, 2020. Photo credit: Ron Adar, Shutterstock
According to Schneider, the severe weather caused extensive damage to the band's equipment.
“Scaffolding even fell from the stage and destroyed our equipment. Keyboards, mic stands, laptops, sound equipment. All destroyed.”
He added that despite the frightening conditions, nobody from the band or crew was injured.
“Our sound man Frank feared for his life. It was that dangerous. We were worried about the crew the entire time. No one was hurt thank goddess.”
The final day of the festival, which was due to feature performances from Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Europe, Ultra Vomit, New Model Army and Fools Garden, was subsequently cancelled as organisers dealt with the storm damage.
The incident came as France and several other parts of Europe experienced an intense heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures followed by severe thunderstorms across parts of the region.
