Features
Belgium On High Alert
Terrorist bombs exploded at the Brussels airport and in the city’s metro stations today, killing at least 31 people. As investigators look for answers, some concert promoters are already postponing or canceling gigs.
Photo: Peter Dejong/AP
Blown out windows of the airport are seen after a deadly attack in Brussels, Belgium.
Two blasts, one possibly a suicide bomber struck , Zaventem airport. A bomb exploded on a rush-hour subway train one hour later, reports Associated Press.
The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
“What we feared has happened,” Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said. “In this time of tragedy, this black moment for our country, I appeal to everyone to remain calm but also to show solidarity.”
Today’s attacks come four months after terrorists attacked several crowded locations in Paris, including the Bataclan concert hall where Eagles Of Death Metal were performing.
One popular Brussels concert venue, Ancienne Belgique, has already nixed tonight’s shows. An email from the venue stated that Baroness, Vitamin X and Sirius Plan will not perform as planned “out of respect for the victims and the safety of our visitors.”
Concertwise, Brussels’s live music scene for the coming days includes Prong at Biebob March 25 and Mariah Carey at Forest National March 27. Other artists scheduled to perform in Brussels include James Bay at Lotto Arena March 26, Johnny Hallyday at Palais 12 March 27 and Enter Shikari at Ancienne Belgique March 28. So far, these shows along with others planned for the week in Brussels are still being advertised.
Photo: Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP
A man looks at flowers and messages outside the stock exchange in Brussels.
But as transportation in Belgium and across Europe comes under increased scrutiny, travel plans for music fans as well as for the acts they’re planning on seeing might face disruption, not only today, but during the coming days as well. Music fans planning on taking in a few concerts in Brussels or other European cities should monitor venue websites and social media for the latest changes.