Slumdog Millionaire composer Scraps Tour

A.R. Rahman Scraps American Tour Dates After Stage Collapse

Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire composer A.R. Rahman has been forced to postpone the remainder of his U.S. tour after a stage collapse in Michigan last weekend (19Jun10) left lights, rigging and other equipment irreparably damaged.

Crew were setting up the stage for the Jai Ho Concert: The Journey Home World Tour date at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac when it collapsed, smashing vital equipment and injuring those beneath it.

Rahman scrapped the show and another scheduled for Toronto's Air Canada Centre in Canada on Sunday (20Jun10) to allow time for stage equipment damaged to be repaired or replaced.

But it's now clear it will take more than a few days to make amends and so the composer/showman has scrapped the rest of his dates.

A statement from Rahman reads, "We hope to announce the new dates in the coming weeks... We are working to recoup all that has been lost (the lights, the sets) which will take us over three weeks to complete.

"The vision for the show includes beautiful choreography and circus acts and it feels less than, not to include them. All the world over, the show has received a very positive response from those who have seen it, which makes it absolutely necessary for us to present a complete show and feature all the components that were lost due to the incident.

"While I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our friends in the U.S. and Canada, maybe it`s a blessing in disguise, as we will have the opportunity to perform for you with even more energy and perfection. Once again, let us all pray that we are alive and thank you in advance for your understanding, love and co-operation."

Six European shows, scheduled for the middle of next month (Jul10), are expected to go on as planned.