FOO FIGHTER ACCIDENT: The driver of a truck carrying band equipment was seriously injured.

The driver of a truck carrying essential equipment for band Foo Fighters was seriously injured in a crash and flown by rescue helicopter to Palmerston North hospital.

The specialised equipment on the truck was so badly damaged, the Foo Fighters were forced to cancel a sold-out charity gig, scheduled for the Auckland Town Hall tonight.

Police said officers from Taihape, in the central North Island, went to the single-vehicle crash about 1pm yesterday. The truck had left State Highway 1 and ended up in a paddock, a spokeswoman said.

Ringo Starr Foo Fighters (from left) Pat Smear, Nate Mendel, Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins and Chris Shiflett are playing a benefit show in Auckland tomorrow.

"The male driver sustained serious injuries and was airlifted by rescue helicopter to hospital where he remains in a stable condition."

The truck was taking the equipment from Christchurch to Auckland, where tonight's cancelled show was supposed to raise funds for the New Zealand Music Foundation, the show's promoter said.

Replacement equipment was being flown from Los Angeles to Auckland in time for the Foo Fighters Mt Smart concert tomorrow night.

The Auckland Mt Smart show would proceed as scheduled.

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People who purchased tickets for the Friday Town Hall benefit show would receive a full refund.

The credit card used to purchase tickets would be refunded automatically by Ticketmaster.

Fans wishing to make a donation to New Zealand Music Foundation were able to do so online.

The tickets had sold out in an hour.

The quick sell-out is similar their 2011 benefit concert at the same venue for the Christchurch Earthquake recovery.