In addition to the diversion, the rocker band, who were on their way to Tokyo for a concert when the tragedy struck, have announced they cancel their Saturday's Saitama show.
- March 12, 2011
AceShowbiz - British rockers Iron Maiden have been caught up in the chaos following the devastating earthquake in Japan, their plane was diverted as they traveled to Tokyo for a show. The Asian country was rocked by a massive 8.9-magnitude tremor on Friday, March 11, and it was followed by a terrifying tsunami, which now threatens more than 20 countries and islands around the Pacific.
Iron Maiden were on their way to Tokyo when the tragedy struck, and they were forced to divert their "Ed Force One" jet to Nagoya in the wake of the disaster. They have now canceled a planned concert at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama on Saturday, March 12, but still hope to go ahead with Sunday's, March 13, show there, pending a safety assessment of the venue.
"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...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," a statement from the band reads.
"All tickets for Saturday, March 12 will be refunded...As soon as we find out the safety of the venue we will announce whether [the] Sunday, March 13 show will happen or not."
Iron Maiden's shows in Japan are part of the group's ongoing Final Frontier World Tour, they were due to play with support from two other British groups, Bullet For My Valentine and Rise To Remain.
