A San Francisco concert featuring Japanese punk group Peelander-Z was canceled after the band members were seriously injured in a crash in New Mexico during their US tour.
The band had been set to perform Monday at Bottom of the Hill alongside UltraBomb and The Freak Accident.
But the venue announced on social media the group was involved in what it described as a “horrific accident,” leaving the musicians hospitalized and facing what organizers said could be a lengthy recovery.
Authorities said the crash happened May 18 on Interstate 40 east of Albuquerque while the band was traveling west in a tour van.
Officials said a semitruck slammed into the back of the vehicle less than an hour before the group was expected to arrive at its next stop.
A GoFundMe campaign created by organizer Dan Redman identified the injured performers as Peelander Yellow, whose real name is Kengo Hioki, Peelander Pink, also known as Yumiko Kanazaki, and Peelander Tiger, whose real name has not been publicly released.
In an update posted Monday, Redman said all three musicians remain hospitalized but are “conscious and stable.”
Yellow suffered multiple broken bones and signs of a traumatic brain injury, though doctors no longer consider the injuries life-threatening, According to the update. Pink underwent surgery after suffering several fractures and internal injuries, while Tiger is being treated for a head injury and is expected to leave the hospital soon.
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The accident forced the band to cancel several upcoming tour performances, including the San Francisco show.
Based in Austin, Peelander-Z has built a loyal following over the years with its colorful costumes, comic-book-inspired performances and energetic live shows.
In a statement, Bottom of the Hill recalled hosting the band in 2005, 2012 and 2019, describing the performers as “Japanese action punk comic legends.” The venue also encouraged fans to contribute to the fundraiser supporting the band’s medical and recovery costs.
“As you know, musicians are among the most vulnerable among us, and we need to band together to help,” Bottom of the Hill said.
As of Tuesday, the GoFundMe campaign had collected more than $164,000 toward its $170,000 fundraising target.