Kiss Forced to Cancel Manchester Concert Due to Bombing Investigation
Kiss was forced to cancel their forthcoming concert at the Manchester Arena on May 30th as the venue remains closed following the suicide bombing. “We have always looked forward to these shows and our local fans, but in light of recent events, a canceled rock show seems of such little consequence,” the band said in a statement. Refunds will be granted to all ticket holders.
Earlier this week, Blondie and Take That were among the artists to cancel U.K. shows in the aftermath of the Manchester terror attack that killed 22 people outside an Ariana Grande concert. Blondie was scheduled to perform Tuesday night at London’s Round Chapel, but Deborah Harry tweeted that the show would be postponed “as a mark of respect for the victims of the terrible attack.”
Take That, the British boy band from Manchester, similarly canceled a Liverpool concert Tuesday “out of respect” to the victims of the tragedy in their hometown. That concert has since been rescheduled to Friday, May 26th. However, Take That’s scheduled May 25 – 27th three-night stand at Manchester Arena, the site of the deadly attack, has been postponed due to the “tragic events and the ongoing police investigation,” the venue announced Tuesday.
The London premieres of The Mummy and Wonder Woman were also canceled, the AP reports. Universal said the decision was made “out of respect.” The premiere for The Mummy will be rescheduled to take place next week.
Despite the United Kingdom elevating its threat level to “critical” – its highest level, for the first time in a decade – and Prime Minister Theresa May’s warning that “further attack may be imminent,” artists have soldiered on with their U.K. touring obligations.
Broken Social Scene and Johnny Marr performed Tuesday night in Manchester, while Eric Clapton will continue a four-night stand at London’s Royal Albert Hall Wednesday at the venerable venue.
BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend Festival in Hull, England will also continue this weekend with increased security, TMZ reports. The event is expected to draw 50,000 fans, many in the same demographic as those targeted in the Manchester attack; Katy Perry, Lorde, Lana Del Rey, Haim and Kings of Leon are among the acts who will play Big Weekend.
We know you understandably have lots of questions about Radio 1’s #BigWeekend – here is the latest from us. pic.twitter.com/mZQ9nvqgfP
— BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) May 23, 2017