Things appear to be getting back to normal for Pearl Jam, who just weeks ago were reeling from the deaths of nine people who were trampled as the band played a festival in Denmark.

"Everyone is starting to feel better," the band told fans in the latest Rumor Pit newsletter, e-mailed to fans and posted online at www.sonymusic.com/artists/PearlJam on Monday (July 17).

The band, which canceled the remaining few dates of its European tour after the June 30 tragedy at the Roskilde Festival, is preparing to launch a North American tour Aug. 3 in Virginia Beach, Va.

The newsletter, which is compiled by the band's spokespeople, serves as a forum for the bandmembers to answer questions submitted by fans. In Monday's issue, Pearl Jam were asked whether new safety measures would be implemented on the North American tour.

"Our shows have always been security conscious," the newsletter states. "We will continue in our efforts to make it a great and safe show for all."

Meanwhile, police in Denmark said Sunday that no one could be held responsible for the accident, although it still was being investigated, the Dutch Press Agency reported. Coroners have determined that the nine fans, all men, suffocated when they were pushed to the ground by the pressure of 50,000 fans trying to get closer to the stage.

Roskilde officials issued a press release highlighting the coroner's report, hoping to shift the blame away from festival organizers and their security plan. The release also defended the festival management's decision to continue the concert even after the deaths.

"Some have claimed that a cynical love of money motivated the decision," the statement reads. "These people cannot be aware of the fact that every penny made during the festival is given to charity, and this happens under strict governmental control."

The Cure, who were scheduled to play after Pearl Jam, as well as Oasis and the Pet Shop Boys, canceled their appearances at the festival because of the incident.

Roskilde organizers also defended their security efforts, saying, "faults ... could not be traced. All equipment has been examined and found to be up to standard. It is a consolation that professionals in the music industry consider Roskilde Festival one of the safest and most painstakingly methodical festivals in Europe."

Plans are under way for a shrine commemorating the dead — one fan from Holland, three Swedes, a German, an Australian and three Danes — and a memorial fund has been set up in conjunction with bands, record labels and others. The Roskilde 2000 Tragedy Fund will support "research and development of health and security measures for large gatherings of young people in connection with cultural events, especially musical events," according to Roskilde management.

Pearl Jam spokesperson Annie Ohayon would not comment on whether Pearl Jam had contributed to the fund but said the band did send flowers to the funerals of the deceased.

Pearl Jam, whose Binaural came out in May, still are planning to release two-CD sets from shows on their European tour. In their Rumor Pit newsletter, Pearl Jam said they hope the sets will be available by late August and will cost about $10.98 each. Recordings from the North American tour will also probably be released, the letter said. Ohayon could not confirm any details about the project.

"Light Years" (RealAudio excerpt), the latest single from Binaural, will be released Tuesday in the United States. The single will include live versions of the Binaural tracks "Grievance" and "Soon Forget," recorded at the group's May 10 show in Bellingham, Wash., as B-sides.