wsbt.com/news/wxin-state-fair-stage-collapse-train-maroon-5-turn-concert-into-benefit-for-state-fair-victims-20110818,0,4621464.column
Eva Pilgrim
9:18 PM EDT, August 18, 2011
Indianapolis
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Thousands of people poured into Conseco Fieldhouse Thursday night for a benefit concert for the families of those hurt or killed during the State Fair stage collapse.
Nikki Crider planned on going to the concert when it was originally scheduled at the State Fair. She said they could have just as easily been at that show too.
"We knew we were taking our little girl Sierra. We were fearful that she would have seen something like that."
Nikki's fun night at the fair with the family is now a benefit concert remembering and honoring those hurt and killed during Saturday's collapse.
Steve Crider thinks the benefit concert is a great idea.
"It's cool that the bands stepped up and changed the venue."
Members of the band Train spoke a few words to the crowd Thursday night. They said doing this was something they thought of immediately.
Scott Underwood is Train's drummer.
"We just came up with this idea to do it because it's indescribeable. The feeling of helplessness."
Pat Monahan is the lead singer of Train.
"Not coming seemed dumb. We did everything we could to be here."
Jimmy Stafford plays guitar.
"We wanted to be here. We intended to be here today."
The members of Train, as well as Maroon 5 are both donating their performance fee to the State Fair fund. They're wanting to help became contagious. The State Fair, Conseco Fieldhouse and every employee working the event all donated what they would have been paid to help those hurt by the tragedy.
The guys from Train said the accident hits close to home for them. They hope this concert and the attention of this tragedy brings change.
"As a musician who's on those stages every night. You can't help but think about it. Especially if there's bad weather in the area," Stafford said.
"That's the fourth one in one year. I understand that weather related instances can happen, but not four. That means something's wrong," Monahan said.
"I heard that there is no law here that you have to inspect the stages, so I hope that changes across the country," Underwood said.
The benefit concert was expected to raise more $500,000 for the State Fair Remembrance Fund.