A raft of artists and music industry leaders have been paying tribute to those affected by the explosion at last night’s Ariana Grande Manchester Arena show.
News of an explosion outside the venue was reported just moments after the show had finished at approximately 10.30pm , with police currently stating that 22 people have died and around 59 others have been injured. It has since been confirmed that the attack was carried out by one man who died at the scene after detonating an explosive device.
Throughout the evening and early this morning, the international music community has been paying its respects to those affected.
UK Music 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 minimise 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."
Geoff Taylor, chief executive, BPI and BRIT Awards, has also commented: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families and music fans caught up in the horrific attack in Manchester. Music is a force for peace and love that unites us, however much those with hate in their hearts may try to divide us."
Live Nation also issued the following statement: “We are deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy and our hearts and thoughts are with those impacted by this devastating incident.”
Meanwhile, The O2 stated: "Along with everyone else, we are shocked and saddened by the terrible tragedy in Manchester. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected and their families."
"Ariana is due to perform at The O2 on Thursday and Friday and we will advise as soon as we can as to the status of those shows."
Liverpool Echo Arena also issued a statement: "Our thoughts are with those affected by the devastating tragedy in Manchester. Our sympathies go out to everyone at this tragic time."
Many others, including Grande, have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the victims of the attack.
Deeply saddened by the tragic events in Manchester. Our thoughts are with everyone affected. ???????? @ArianaGrande ????????
— Michael Rapino (@rapino99) May 23, 2017
— Scooter Braun (@scooterbraun) May 23, 2017
We're deeply saddened to learn of tonight's devastating event in Manchester. Our thoughts & prayers are with those affected by this tragedy.
— Republic Records (@RepublicRecords) May 23, 2017
broken.
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 23, 2017
from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words.
In total shock and absolutely devastated about what's gone down in MANCHESTER sending Love and Light to all the family's involved LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) May 23, 2017
My heart hurts for my sister, Ariana & every family affected by this tragic event in the U.K. Innocent lives lost. I'm so sorry to hear this
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) May 23, 2017
I'm heartbroken over what happened in Manchester tonight.
— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) May 23, 2017
Sending love to everyone involved. H
Our prayers and strength to the victims and their families involved in this tragedy. Stay strong. @ArianaGrande ????????
— Christina Aguilera (@xtina) May 23, 2017
Broken hearted for the families tonight. Broken hearted for Ari. Broken hearted for the state of this world. ????
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) May 23, 2017
Sad, sad news from Manchester. Praying for all the victims and families involved.
— Gary Barlow (@GaryBarlow) May 23, 2017
Sending love to the U.K., @ArianaGrande and all of her supporters who were caught up in this awful attack. Heartbreaking.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) May 23, 2017
Sending all our love to Manchester today. The news has left us speechless and heartbroken??????
— HAIM (@HAIMtheband) May 23, 2017
Devastated, heartbroken and horrified. Such sad news to wake up to. Please stay safe and look after each other during times like this! pic.twitter.com/YmE2r6ydJB
— DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) May 23, 2017
every musician feels sick & responsible tonight—shows should be safe for you. truly a worst nightmare. sending love to manchester & ari
— Lorde (@lorde) May 23, 2017
My thoughts, prayers and tears for all those affected by the Manchester tragedy tonight. I'm sending all my love.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) May 23, 2017
Thoughts to everyone in Manchester..... just horrifying ????.
— Zedd (@Zedd) May 23, 2017
sending love to everyone in manchester tonight. totally heartbreaking. stay strong and stay safe.
— CHARLI XCX (@charli_xcx) May 23, 2017
It is absolutely devastating what took place in Manchester. My thoughts and prayers are with Ariana and everyone affected. ????????????
— TINASHE (@Tinashe) May 23, 2017
Manchester stands together.
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) May 23, 2017
the community we all create together thru music should be completely devoid of fear. our hearts go out to Ariana Grande & crew & the fans.
— paramore (@paramore) May 23, 2017
Manchester, je suis avec vous… Tout mon amour / #Manchester I am with you… All my love, Céline xx… https://t.co/NvcJM5VYjz
— Celine Dion (@celinedion) May 23, 2017
Manchester you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Sending all love and light to those affected. Stay strong. #Manchester
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) May 23, 2017
So sad to hear the news from Manchester....
— Mark Owen (@OfficialMarkO) May 23, 2017
Prayers and thoughts go out to everyone involved..
Heartbreaking!!!!
Love to you all
M.O
X
????????????
— Rise Against (@riseagainst) May 23, 2017
Our thoughts and love go out to the people of Manchester ???? #StandTogether
— Steps (@OfficialSteps) May 23, 2017
My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected in Manchester.
— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) May 23, 2017
Manchester ???? all my love and thoughts are with you. I'm so sorry this happened.
— Zara Larsson (@zaralarsson) May 23, 2017
We love you, Manchester. Keeping you in our thoughts. Stay safe.
— All Time Low (@AllTimeLow) May 23, 2017
Manchester, I love you & my heart is with you, @arianagrande & all at @ManchesterArena tonight. pic.twitter.com/lopXs8H39n
— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) May 23, 2017
Our love to Manchester, thinking of you all
— Debbie Harry/BLONDIE (@BlondieOfficial) May 23, 2017
Our hearts are with everyone in Manchester this morning, had some incredible times playing that arena. Unbelievably sad xx
— KasabianHQ (@KasabianHQ) May 23, 2017
Sending love to those affected in Manchester.
— Ellie Goulding (@elliegoulding) May 22, 2017
Waking up to the tragic news from Manchester. Shocking and senseless. Thoughts and prayers go out to the victims. So sad.
— Tyler Brown (@TylerBrown1982) May 23, 2017
We are deeply saddened by the tragedy in Manchester. Our love thoughts & prayers are with all those affected.
— Island Records (@islandrecordsuk) May 23, 2017
We are devastated by last night's tragedy in Manchester. Music is about bringing people together. Our love goes out to everyone affected.
— Decca Records (@DeccaRecords) May 23, 2017
Sending love and prayers to all those directly affected by what happened last night in Manchester ????
— mistajam (@mistajam) May 23, 2017
Manchester Arena blast: 19 dead and about 50 hurt - this is so utterly heartbreaking. https://t.co/aYG6iaUd6b
— Rebecca Allen (@Ramallen) May 23, 2017
Truly heartbreaking to think of young kids at their first pop concert experiencing this.
— Lara Baker (@LaraKBaker) May 23, 2017
