KISS, WWE Cancel Manchester

KISS won’t play its scheduled May 30 show at Manchester Arena, which was supposed to be part of the band’s Kissworld tour, following the deadly May 22 terrorist attack at the venue.  

Mohegan Sun / Khoi Ton – KISS
Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.

WWE canceled its June 6 event at the arena as well.

See Also: Security In The Age Of Terror

KISS members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer said in a joint statement: “We are heartbroken by the atrocity committed against the innocent victims of Manchester. We sadly will not to be able to play Manchester Arena on the 30th May.

“We have always looked forward to these shows and our local fans, but in light of recent events a cancelled rock show seems of such little consequence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those affected and all the people of Manchester at this difficult time. We are with you and you are in our prayers.”

KISS is scheduled to play Glasgow’s SSE Hydro, May 27, followed by Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena, May 28, and will pick up the tour on May 31 at London’s O2 before returning to the States.

Refunds for the 30 May Manchester Arena concert will be granted to all ticketholders at the point of purchase.

The WWE released a statement saying “out of respect for all those affected by the Manchester tragedy, WWE is cancelling the NXT event on Tuesday, June 6, at the Manchester Arena, and offering fans who purchased tickets to the show a full refund at point of purchase and giving them the option to receive a free ticket to the NXT show on Wednesday, June 7 at First Direct Arena in Leeds.”

“Our Superstars will be in Manchester on June 6 visiting with those affected by the tragedy and WWE is making a donation to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund. We look forward to returning to the Manchester Arena on Monday, November 6 for Raw and Tuesday, November 7 for SmackDown Live.”