Paris Attacks: First Reactions

The attacks in Paris that killed 129 people, with many still in critical condition, have caused the government to declare a state of emergency.

Photo: Christine Olsson / TT via AP

The Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm is lit up in the colors of the French flag in solidarity with France after the deadly attacks in Paris.

Guillaume Florin, Communications Manager of Paris venue Le Plan and head of promotion agency We Do Music, told Pollstar that access control at the entrances of venues in Paris are generally strict. “Each bag is looked inside, it’s impossible to even enter a bottle of water.” Le Plan canceled its concerts on the day after the attacks.

Audrey Guerre, coordinator at the French venues collective Live DMA, confirmed, that “most of the big music venues have bag and body searches at the entrance. The terrorists entered the venue about 30 minutes after the concert began so I guess they entered by shooting security. The place was not infiltrated.”

Guerre emphasized that Live DMA was going to release an official statement in the coming days, and that everything she told Pollstar only represented her own view only.

“Many Live DMA members sent messages to show their support with Le Bataclan and the French music sector, and a lot of music venues in Europe had a minute of silence at the beginning of the shows on Saturday evening.” According to Guerre, a lot of weekend concerts were canceled but some venues did open their doors to welcome the public and demonstrate their resilience.

Live DMA posted the following message on its Facebook page Monday morning:

“During this tragic week-end, many music venues all over Europe have shown their solidarity with Le Bataclan by observing a minute of silence at the beginning of their concerts.

“We would like to express all our emotion and sadness to the victim’s families and wounded persons.

“These attacks have targeted our friendly spaces. Let’s keep on playing the music and gathering people around.”