World Tibet Network News Sunday, June 14, 1998

June 13, 1998

Source: www.tibet98.com

The first day of this year's Tibetan Freedom Concert was halted at approximately 3:40 PM EST today, following performances by Money Mark, Mutabaruka, Live, Dave Matthews, KRS-One, Herbie Hancock & The Headhunters, and speakers Palden Gyatso and Wei Jingshen.

Four concert-goers were transported to D.C. General Hospital after suffering injuries due to a sudden electrical storm. Two suffered minor injuries, and two remain hospitalized. The condition of the latter two is unknown at press time. All the families of the injured concert-goers have been notified.

Tracy Chapman, Sonic Youth, R.E.M., Radiohead and Beck were forced to cancel their performances. While Chapman and Beck were unable to re-schedule, Sonic Youth, R.E.M. and Radiohead will perform on the second day of the concert (Sunday, June 14th).

Concert Spokesperson Erin Potts has issued the following statement: "Our thoughts and best wishes are with the injured concertgoers. The Tibetan monks and nuns in attendance began praying for them immediately. We would like to thank the D.C. Fire and Police Departments, the paramedics, security and the entire concert staff for their quick and efficient response. And in keeping with the spirit of the event, the crowd was extraordinarily respectful and cooperative."