Christian P. Pewitt Blogs: Artists, Venues Take Cautious Approach In Wake Of Manchester Concert Terrorist Attack

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Artists, Venues Take Cautious Approach In Wake Of Manchester Concert Terrorist Attack

Following the attack on Ariana's Grande's concert in Manchester, a number of artists have postponed or canceled shows. British group Take That pulled out of a scheduled show in Liverpool on Tuesday night, as well as three subsequent concerts at Manchester Arena, where the attack occurred.

"Out of respect to all of the people and their families that were affected by the horrific incident last night at The Manchester Arena, we have decided to postpone our show tonight in Liverpool. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all," a statement from the band said.

A subsequent statement from Manchester Arena, where the attacks occurred, said: "Due to the tragic events in Manchester last night and the ongoing police investigation, the scheduled concerts for Thursday 25, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 May at Manchester Arena have been postponed. Further details will be released as soon as possible."

Upcoming shows at the Manchester Arena include a WWE event - NXT Live! - on 6 June and then Kings of Leon on 9 June. As of yet, there has been no word on the status of these events.

Other artists and venues across the UK are, at the time of publication, mostly moving forward with scheduled shows.

Neil Walker, general manager of the 11,000-capacity SSE Arena in Belfast, said "The senior management team of the Odyssey Trust and SSE Arena, Belfast were shocked and saddened by the terrible event in Manchester last night and our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and those who were injured in this horrific attack.

“We have carefully assessed the implications of this attack for upcoming events at the SSE Arena, Belfast and all events are currently proceeding as planned, including this evening’s show by Professor Brian Cox. We have met this morning with the PSNI and Harbour Police and are taking all steps to minimize any security risk," Walker added.

The team at Wembley Arena in London also expressed their dismay at the attack but said they planned to continue with upcoming events under tightened security.

“The senior management team of the Odyssey Trust and SSE Arena, Belfast were shocked and saddened by the terrible event in Manchester last night and our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and those who were injured in this horrific attack.

“We have carefully assessed the implications of this attack for upcoming events at the SSE Arena, Belfast and all events are currently proceeding as planned, including this evening’s show by Professor Brian Cox. We have met this morning with the PSNI and Harbour Police and are taking all steps to minimise any security risk.

"In relation to security at our venue, The SSE Arena, Wembley operates a thorough security regime and enhanced security checks are already in place. Security is monitored at all times to ensure the safety of all our visitors and we have a regular dialogue with the UK security services and police," a rep for Wembley Arena said.

As well, Radio 1's Big Weekend in Hull, which will take place on May 27 & 28 is still on.

"The health and safety of everyone involved in Big Weekend is now our primary focus and we are carrying out a full assessment, with the police and our partners, of every aspect of the festival," the BBC said in a statement.

Heavy metal legends Iron Maiden said that they were shocked by the events in Manchester, but planned to continue their live schedule.

Debbie Harry was due to perform at the Round Chapel in Hackney, east London on Tuesday, but postponed the show.

"Out of respect for the victims of the terrible attack at the Manchester Arena last night... we will not go ahead with the performance scheduled for this evening at the Round Chapel in Hackney, London," she tweeted. "We are working to reschedule the event, and we will communicate details as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding."

British indie rock duo Royal Blood postponed the on-sale date for tickets for their upcoming tour.

"Due to the tragic events in Manchester, we have postponed the on-sale date for our European & UK tour date," a rep for the band wrote on Twitter.