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Industry Reacts To Manchester
The terrorist attack at the Ariana Grande concert in
Peter Byrne / PA via AP – Manchester Arena Aftermath
Police guard close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester in England May 23, a day after a terrorist attack that killed at least 22 people during an Ariana Grande concert.
At least 22 people have been reported dead, and 59 injured, after an apparent suicide bomber detonated what Greater Manchester Police described as an “improvised explosive device.” So far, the youngest victim is reported to have been 8 years old.
See Also: Latest Manchester Arena Updates
The explosion occurred at 10:33 p.m. By that time, many people were already on their way out to beat the crowds, according to Chris Pawley, a witness interviewed by Fox News.
The first people exiting the arena seem to have been the cue for the attacker to storm into the venue’s foyer and detonate the bomb. Many people were still in the arena after the blast occurred, as can be seen on several videos, suggesting that Grande’s encore may have saved lives.
The same witness also told Fox News that there were no security measures taken upon entering the arena.
“I’ve been to concerts before and sometimes you get patted down and get to empty your pockets. There was absolutely nothing at this concert tonight, we just literally got our tickets scanned and was straight in.”
The attack, however, happened in the arena’s foyer, directly linked to Victoria train station, and any security checks would have been conducted at a later stage.
Some witnesses and news reports spoke of more than one explosion happening in short succession.
Peter Byrne / PA via AP) – Manchester At Dawn
Police stand guard at dawn, after a deadly blast at the Manchester Arena May 23.
There was a controlled explosion conducted by Greater Manchester Police to get rid of a suspicious device, but that did not occur until much later, in the early morning of May 23.
The terrorist, whom ISIS has already claimed as “one of the soldiers of the Caliphate,” was among those killed. The attack occurred two months to the day after the most recent terrorist attack in London, for which ISIS also claimed responsibility.
Greater Manchester Police, who are treating the crime as a terrorist attack, arrested a 23-year-old suspect. No details regarding the man’s identity have been made public yet. UK Prime Minister Theresa May, who halted her election campaign for the time being, said security services are believed to know the murderer’s identity, but that, too, hasn’t been released to the public yet.
Ariana Grande’s promoter Live Nation released the following statement: “We are deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy and our hearts and thoughts are with those impacted by this devastating incident.”
The O2 in London, where Grande was scheduled to perform May 25-26, said, “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy in Manchester. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected and their families.
“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.”
Pollstar understands that at least parts of Grande’s tour have been suspended, and operators have suspended the most imminent gigs including concerts from Take That and Blondie‘s May 23 gig at London’s
“Due to the tragic events in Manchester last night and the ongoing police investigation, the scheduled Take That concerts for Thursday 25, Friday 26, Saturday 27 at Manchester Arena have been postponed. Further details will be released as soon as possible,” the arena operators stated.
Ticket holders will find a Q&A section on the arena’s website answering the most common questions.
“There are no further cancellations at this point. We are working with the police and promoters about other upcoming concerts, in particular Kiss on 30th May. We will provide further updates on our website, Twitter and Facebook,” the Q&A section states.
Arena staff assures ticketholders that “we will do our best to respond to all enquiries as quickly as possible.” In the meantime, people can get in touch via [email protected], on Twitter (@ManchesterArena) as well as www.facebook.com/ManchesterArena.
Manchester Arena released the following: “Last night, our community suffered 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.
“Again, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with all of those affected by last night’s tragedy.” French industry association Live DMA said: “Live music is joy and fellowship. We are thousands of venues, festivals and other concert organizers, at thousands of places across Europe that open our doors for joy, music, freedom and friendship daily – and we will keep open and let live music go everywhere!
“We have great grief over what happened at the Manchester Arena – and the sweeping act that hit the live music communities, when children, teenagers and other audiences left the Ariana Grande concert. Our thoughts are with the affected families and our colleagues in the UK live music industry, and we will dedicate our upcoming concerts to the victims of this tragedy, when venues across Europe, together with the audience and artists, will mark the terrorist attack in Manchester with ‘one minute of noise.’
“Because terrorism [will] never stop us from making music and the world a better place to live.”
PA via AP – Manchester Terror
Helpers attend to injured people at Manchester Arena after an apparent suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert.
German ticketing company CTS Eventim stated: “Our thoughts today are with all those innocent people whose lives were so cruelly taken yesterday evening in Manchester, and with all those who lost a loved one. Stunned and deeply shocked by yet another barbaric and cowardly act of terrorism that abuses for its inhuman goals what we and millions of people in this world cherish, we are sure that Manchester will emerge even stronger from this past night as one of Europe’s centres of pop culture. Our sincere condolences go out to all those affected, and we wish them the loving support of their friends and family.”
Manchester’s two major football clubs Manchester City and Manchester United released statements as well, expressing their shock and offering support to local authorities.
The city of Mancherster states on its website: “The thoughts of everyone at Visit Manchester are with all those affected by the tragic event that unfolded at Manchester Arena late last night. Please note all modes of transport into the city are affected this morning following the incident.”
UK Music also offered its “deepest sympathies and condolences to all those affected by the devastating attack.”
The trade body’s chief executive, Michael Dugher, said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this horrific attack. It is even more distressing that children and teenagers have been targeted. “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our brave emergency services and the venue staff. We know venues take security very seriously and do all they can to minimize risks, including training staff how to deal with major incidents. As a result of police investigations there will no doubt be a further review of these measures.
“Music has the power to bring people together and is so often a celebration of peace and love. We will not let terrorism and the politics of violence, hatred and division conquer that spirit.”
Phil Bowdery, Chair of the Concert Promoters Association, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by last night’s senseless attack at the Ariana Grande concert. 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 and it is our understanding that outside of the Manchester Arena and the Ariana Grande tour, all other planned concerts and events will go ahead, as advertised, unless ticketholders are directly advised to the contrary. Fans should check with venues direct for specific updates.
“In light of this attack on our concert going community, we ask for the support and understanding of our patrons with regard to any security measures which are in place for the safety of the public, and urge everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior. “Our deepest sympathies and condolences are with all those affected by this horrific incident.”
The National Arenas Association (NAA) and the European Arenas Association (EAA) also commented.
“The European Arenas Association members are shocked and saddened by the news of the attack last night at Manchester Arena.
“Following the special Security Symposium program last year and our follow-up safety meetings, the EAA will continue to take a leading role in educating its members on the newest technology and methods of securing our public sports and entertainment venues, and in protecting our tenants and guests.
“Our semi-annual meeting, taking place next week at Paris’ AccorHotels Arena, will focus on the updated information from Manchester while further sharing the best practice procedures from our members.
“Our membership stands in solidarity with the Arena, the responders and investigators working hard in Manchester and we are heartened to read of the stories of bravery and courage shown by those teams and the local emergency services last night.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to those who have been injured and to the families of those who have so tragically lost their lives.”
The NAA also said its “member venues are shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific attack.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with the victims and their families and all those affected by this terrible event.
“All UK and Irish Arenas work collaboratively and tirelessly through the NAA’s Safety Advisory and Events Managers’ Groups to improve the health, safety and well-being of our staff and customers, which is our utmost priority. This is achieved through the sharing of best practice and advice from security advisers, the police (including counter-terrorism officers), event promoters and organizers and from one another. The NAA also provides specific training delivered by leading security and event consultants to ensure that Arena staff are vigilant, knowledgeable and qualified to take appropriate action both before incidents arise, and if necessary, afterwards.
“Through these actions, all NAA Arenas will continue to work towards providing the safest possible environment for over 7 million concert-goers every year to enjoy the collective experience of seeing their favorite artists in the company of their families and friends.
“Our thoughts are also with our colleagues at Manchester Arena and the emergency services staff who worked so professionally and bravely in such traumatic circumstances.”