As Japan struggles to recover from a devastating earthquake and tsunami, some music acts scheduled to play the island nation this weekend have already assured fans they are safe and sound.
The magnitude-8.9 offshore quake resulted in a 23-foot tsunami as well as several aftershocks. Local police report that 200 to 300 bodies were found in the northeastern coastal city of Sendai and another 137 were confirmed killed. Early estimates indicate approximately 531 people are missing and 627 were injured.
Several concerts were scheduled to take place in Japan this weekend and at least one show has been officially canceled. Iron Maiden, scheduled to appear at the Super Arena in Saitama March 12 along with Bullet For My Valentine and Rise To Remain, reported via its website that the show has been canceled as venue officials “undergo safety assessment.”
Jack Johnson successfully launched his Japan tour in Nagoya before the earthquake struck. Although no post-quake messages have been posted on his online pages, fan messages appearing on his Twitter page indicate Johnson, his band and everyone traveling with him are safe.
The Melvins tweeted that they and their crew are fine. Scheduled to play Tokyo’s O-East with High On Fire March 11, the band just can’t seem to avoid seismic activity. In February The Melvins were left stranded at a Christchurch airport after a 6.3 shaker struck the city.
Other acts scheduled to play Japan in the next few days include The Gaslight Anthem, Murderdolls, Slash, Cyndi Lauper, The Manhattan Transfer and The National.