Japan Earthquake Diverts IRON MAIDEN's Flight - "Band And Crew Are Safe"
March 11, 2011, 13 years ago
According to the UK's Mirror, IRON MAIDEN's flight was diverted as they headed to Japan to play a pair of shows in Tokyo.
The British band had flown in from Seoul in South Korea, where they played a concert the previous night.
At least one of their planned gigs at Saitama Super Arena has now been cancelled as the venue undergoes safety checks.
The six-piece band were aboard their specially-chartered "Ed Force One" Boeing 757 when they were told to fly to another major Japanese city, Nagoya, which is 167 miles to the west.
Frontman Bruce Dickinson, a qualified pilot, often flies the band during their tours, but it is not known if he was in control during this leg of the journey.
A message posted on the band's website said today: "Ed Force One, heading to Tokyo for shows this weekend, was diverted to Nagoya and the band and crew are safe. Our thoughts are with everyone affected."
Iron Maiden have also issued the following update via Tokyo promoter Creativeman:
"Due to damages caused by the earthquake, unfortunately we have to cancel the Saturday, March 12 show at Saitama Super Arena as the venue must undergo safety assessment.All tickets for Saturday, March 12 will be refunded. As soon as we find out the safety of the venue we will announce whether Sunday, March 13 show will happen or not."
