Whirlwind Blows Jammin Away

Italian news sources reported more than 25 people were injured after a whirlwind tore through Live Nation’s Heineken Jammin Festival.

More than 20,000 people had arrived at Venice’s San Giuliano park in Mestre, a mainland area of the city, when the freak wind blew down eight light and sound towers and damaged the stage.

It hit late in the afternoon June 15th and was so fierce it overturned vehicles and uprooted trees in the surrounding park.

ANSA news agency quoted Venice Mayor Massimo Cacciari saying that none of the injuries suffered was life-threatening and the most seriously hurt had only sustained fractures.

Live Nation Italy was forced to cancel the entire June 15-17 event, which was to feature performances from Pearl Jam, Vasco Rossi, The Smashing Pumpkins, Aerosmith, Iron Maiden, My Chemical Romance, The Killers and Linkin Park.

The company has already publicized details of how fans can get refunds.

It wasn’t possible at press time to get comment from local Live Nation chief Roberto de Luca, who has promoted the festival for the last 10 years.

It was the first year it had been done in Venice, having previously been staged on a 60,000-capacity site on the Formula One Grand Prix motor racing track at Imola.