MMJ’s Jim James Falls Off Stage

From the AP:

IOWA CITY — My Morning Jacket singer and guitarist Jim James was injured during the Southern-rock band’s concert Tuesday night at the University of Iowa.

James slipped and fell about 30 minutes into the band’s set at the Recreation Building and was taken to a hospital. The remainder of the show was canceled. Officials with SCOPE, the UI’s concert organization, would not say where James was taken and declined further comment.

James apparently hit his head in the fall, which happened in the dark between songs. The extent of his injuries were not known.

My Morning Jacket’s four other members left the stage seconds after James fell. Drummer Patrick Hallahan returned to the stage several minutes later to say James fell and his injury was being assessed. About 10 minutes later, Hallahan and the rest of the band, minus James, took the stage to say the show was canceled.

“Jim was really hurt, he’s heading to the hospital,” Hallahan said. “We’re really sorry, this has never happened before.”

At least one fan yelled “refund!” but the majority of the crowd cheered in a show of support for James.

Here’s the band’s statement at last night’s show.

We wish Jim a quick and speedy recovery.

***UPDATE***

From the band:

As some of you may have heard we had to cancel our show last evening in Iowa City.  We were finishing up the last few bars of “Off The Record and just like any other night we were all having a great time.  Jim went to get closer to the audience on his side of the stage, and as he moved forward to step onto the sub-woofer the lights darkened, and he inadvertently stepped off the stage.  Upon falling, he suffered traumatic injuries to his torso, and was immediately taken to the hospital.

Per the doctor’s orders, Jim will be off the road and recovering from his injuries for the next two to three weeks. Sadly, we must postpone the two shows in Chicago on Thursday and Friday until further notice.

For those who attended the Iowa City show, we would like to extend our gratitude for your understanding and cooperation.  We take our fans and performances very seriously, and would never cancel a show unless it was absolutely necessary.  Please know that we will be making every effort to return to your fine city.

Thank you so much to our fans for the kind sentiments and well-wishes on Jim’s behalf.  We hope for Jim’s quick recovery and to be back out on the road soon.

With Love,
My Morning Jacket