Guns N' Roses Cancel Gig After Stage Collapse

Guns N' Roses cancelled a second show in Brazil on Sunday (March 14) after heavy rain caused the venue's stage to collapse, injuring several crew members.

The band was due to perform at Rio de Janeiro's Apoteose Stadium but a severe storm which swept the city over the weekend March 13-14) forced the evacuation of the venue after the stage fell apart in the wild weather conditions.

The scrapped show came just days after GNR called off a private concert in Sao Paulo on Thursday March 11th) - with fans reportedly storming the stage at the club venue in protest. The band's show in the city on Saturday night March 12th) was also nearly called off, after frontman Axl Rose was pelted with bottles during the opening song.

Rose has issued a statement regarding the cancellation in Rio de Janeiro, apologizing to gig-goers and expressing relief that no one was seriously hurt when the stage collapsed.

The statement, posted on Twitlonger.com, reads, "The March 14th Guns N' Roses show in Rio De Janeiro at Apoteose Stadium has been officially cancelled for this evening due to the stage collapsing because of heavy rains. There is a possibility the show may be rescheduled for tomorrow night, March 15th or at a later date.

"There fortunately are no fatalities but there are injuries from both our camp and Rio crews, the extent of which is not known at present. The Rio Fire Dept is evacuating crews out of the venue to avoid further injuries with the heavy rains and winds."

Rose also revealed a truck carrying equipment for The Sebastian Bach Band, who have been opening for Guns N' Roses on the South American tour, was rolled over by strong winds, and they are waiting to hear about the condition of the driver.

He adds, "A truck w/part (which is carrying) The Sebastian Bach Band's gear has rolled on the trip from Sao Paulo to Rio what is our understanding several times (sic) and we are awaiting details on the safety of the driver at this time. Thank you for your understanding and please be safe out there. Thank you. Axl Rose."