Eight Pearl Jam fans were crushed to death last night (30 June) during the bands set on the Orange Stage at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark. The band had repeatedly begged the massive crowd to move away from the stage but they didn't.

Pearl Jam halted their set after the deaths occurred, but the performances on the other six stages continued. Organizers are to decide later today as to whether or not to continue the festival with Iron Maiden, Nine Inch Nails, Oasis, Willie Nelson and Lou Reed yet to perform.

The Roskilde Festival is a four day event started in 1971 inspired by the 1969 Woodstock Festival. It is held annually on a farm in Roskilde, 40 kilometres west of Copenhagen.

There is a statement on the bands' web site (www.sonymusic.com/artists/pearljam/) saying that it was so painful, they were waiting to be woken up and told it was just a horrible nightmare. They are devestated, "It is so tragic ... there are no words"

"Our lives will never be the same, but we know that is nothing compared to the grief of the families and friends of those involved" - Pearl Jam statement.