Swell Season

Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard

Swell SeasonA man reportedly committed suicide at a concert featuring the band Swell Season on Thursday. According to The Associated Press, 32-year-old San Jose resident Michael Edward Pickels leapt to his death in front of an audience of hundreds at the band's show at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California.

Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office spokesman Rick Sung said that Pickels jumped from a roof shielding the stage around 10 p.m. and fell onto the stage near Season frontman Glen Hansard. Hansard reportedly stopped playing and approached Pickels' body. He was later pronounced dead after attempts to revive him failed.

"The band, crew and all involved with them are shocked and saddened by the death that occurred at the August 19th show. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the deceased, his family and friends," the group said in a statement posted on their website. "Making and performing music is what the band has always done in good times and in bad. Our hope is that in this communal experience tonight we can somehow help our own grieving process after what we just witnessed. The show will most certainly be different than any other we have ever played."

The duo, who are known for winning an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2008, added that they plan to continue their current tour. According to their website, Season has shows scheduled for Saturday (August 21) and Sunday.

"We wish to continue to be sensitive to family and friends of this individual and hope that in performing it is not viewed as a selfish act. We have not come to this decision lightly," the band said. "We continue to have them at the forefront of our minds and hearts."
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