Thunderstorm Hits Sonisphere Finland
The event's official website reported this yesterday:"A severe thunderstorm hit Sonisphere Festival in Pori, Finland this afternoon at approx. 16.00. Strong gusts of freak wind damaged the stages and knocked down tents and fences. Approx. 40 people were injured, two of them seriously so. The injured people are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Sonisphere Festival series producer Stuart Galbraith said: "Our first thoughts go out to the injured people and we sincerely hope they will have a full recovery."
The second stage was damaged beyond repair and to guarantee the safety of the audience, artists and crew the authorities closed the stage. The storm damaged Motley Crue's equipment behind repair, forcing their show to be unfortunately cancelled. Iggy Pop did play, performing an acoustic four-track set on the main stage, while the Sonisphere crew worked hard behind the scenes to dry everything out and make repairs to damage across the site.
Having borrowed kit from Slayer, Alice Cooper is performing a full set on the main stage and Iron Maiden's show will also perform a full set, going on stage at approx. 21.50 and playing until approx. 23.50. The police and city authorities have agreed to allow Iron Maiden to finish later than originally planned.
"We're doing everything we can to ensure that the show can take place. The show will run so long as it can run safely." said Stuart Galbraith."