Global music biz responds with anger, sorrow to Manchester massacre

Photo: Reuters

As thousands gathered overnight in Manchester for a candle-lit vigil to honour the 22 dead – the youngest aged just eight – and 59 injured, the global music industry has responded with anger and sorrow at the massacre at the Manchester Arena.

Ariana Grande’s promoter Live Nation said, “We are deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy and our hearts and thoughts are with those impacted by this devastating incident.”

In the wake of the bombing, Take That’s shows at the Manchester Arena this week (May 25-27) were suspended, as was Blondie’s May 23 gig at London’s Round Chapel for security reasons in case more attacks followed.

City officials and promoters are working out the plans for Kiss’ show at the Manchester Arena on May 30.

Kiss’ Paul Stanley tweeted, “Manchester I am praying for you. God bless you and take care of each other now.”

Despite speculation, a distraught Grande has not yet cancelled the rest of her Dangerous Woman world tour, which is to visit Australia in September.

But the rest of the European leg looks like it will be affected.

The O2 in London, where Grande is scheduled to perform May 25 and 26, expressed its “shock and deep sadness”, explained, “We are in contact with the promoters of Ariana Grande’s tour and will update as soon as we have further information regarding the planned dates at The O2.

“Anyone visiting The O2 should allow extra time for enhanced security checks.”

Manchester Arena called the ISIS-sponsored lone wolf attack “a senseless tragedy”.

“Our entire team’s thoughts and focus are now on supporting the people affected and their families.”

“We are assisting the police in any way we can. We cannot praise the emergency services enough for their response and have been inspired by the way the people of this great city of Manchester rallied round last night and have continued to respond today. It shows the very best of this city.”

Phil Bowdery, Chairman of the Concert Promoters Association, said, “This is heartbreaking news and our thoughts and love are with everyone in Manchester at this time –in particular those that lost their lives or were affected by this devastating incident and their families and friends.

“All members of the Concert Promoters Association will continue to work with venues, Police, stewarding companies and the relevant authorities.”

More statements of support came from French industry association Live DMA, which said thousands of venues through Europe would continue to open their doors to live music because “live music is joy and fellowship.”

German ticketing company CTS Eventim expressed it was “stunned and deeply shocked by yet another barbaric and cowardly act of terrorism.”

The UK Music association, while expressing distress that “children and teenagers were targeted” reiterated: “Music has the power to bring people together and is so often a celebration of peace and love.”

Similar sentiments were echoed in statements from the National Arenas Association and the European Arenas Association.

Law enforcement officials identified the suspected bomber, who died during the explosion, as Salman Abedi, a British-born man of Libyan descent.

Police are looking for possible accomplices. Two sites in Manchester were raided (setting off a controlled explosion at one) while a 23-year-old man was arrested at a third location.

Ariana Grande’s drummer Aaron Spear told Washington DC’s Fox 5 by text, “We finished the show and we were walking back to our dressing rooms and BOOM!!!!

“We could hear people, we had no idea what it was… There was all kinds of speculation as to what was going on. Like five minutes after getting to the room, security came in and informed us that we had to evacuate the building immediately.

“It was then that we realized this was serious. Initially we thought that the sound was all kinds of things, but it didn’t hit that this was a bomb until we were evacuated and they told us exactly what was going on.

“It’s so heartbreaking because so many little ones attend our shows… I just keep thinking about them.”

Overnight at the vigil in Manchester’s Albert Square, people wore Manchester football scarves and waved “I <3 MCR” placards.

They listened to Lord Mayor Eddy Newman honour the emergency service workers who rushed to the scene.

According to The Guardian, what began as polite clapping “turned into thunderous applause, whooping and whistling”.