Severe storm damage at Toronto’s Rogers Stadium forced the cancellation of AC/DC’s September 16 concert, shattering a Collingwood family’s dream of fulfilling a father’s dying wish, according to local news reports. Mike Crawford, who suffered a brain aneurysm leaving him in a six-month coma, used the band’s music to stay connected with his family during his recovery, according to CTV News.
Severe Weather Forces Rogers Stadium Cancellation
A powerful thunderstorm struck Toronto on September 16, causing significant damage to Rogers Stadium and prompting the cancellation of AC/DC’s scheduled performance.
A Father’s Recovery and a Musical Connection
During Mike Crawford’s six-month coma following a brain aneurysm, his daughter Katelynn used classic rock tracks to maintain a bond with her father while balancing law school and caring for newborn twins. According to CTV News, she placed her phone beside his ear daily so he could hear the music. When Mike awoke and the band was slated to come to the city, the family arranged specialized transportation and nursing care to make the concert possible.
The Family’s Response to Heartbreak
The sudden cancellation compounds a difficult period for the Collingwood family, who lost Mike’s wife a year prior and faced a terminal medical prognosis for Mike, according to CTV News reporting. Despite losing the chance at the concert experience, Katelynn Crawford told reporters that her family focuses on resilience and maintaining a forward-looking mindset. When asked during an interview if her late mother was watching over them, Mike Crawford responded with a smile that she was rocking out alongside them.
Concert Logistics and Venue Impact
The cancellation disrupted travel plans as venue operators and event promoters assessed structural damage at Rogers Stadium. According to local reporting, ticket holders faced immediate event status changes and logistics shifts as crews inspected the site following the severe storm activity.
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