Ariana Grande suspends tour in the wake of Manchester concert tragedy

Ariana Grande suspends tour in the wake of Manchester concert tragedy

UPDATED (19:30pm, May 24) Ariana Grande has suspended her Dangerous Woman tour in the wake of Monday night’s tragedy at her concert in Manchester.

The news comes as the singer returned home to Florida after the incident at Manchester Arena. Grande was due to be in Europe until mid-June, with South American dates set to begin on June 29. The run was to have included two dates at London's O2 Arena on May 27 and 28. 

A statement from the tours promoter, Live Nation, said: "Due to the tragic events in Manchester the Dangerous Woman tour with Ariana Grande has been suspended until we can further assess the situation and pay our proper respects to those lost. The O2 shows this week have been cancelled as well as all shows through June 5 in Switzerland.

"We ask at this time that we all continue to support the city of Manchester and all those families affected by this cowardice and senseless act of violence. Our way of life has once again been threatened but we will overcome this together. Thank you."

Also on Tuesday, Take That confirmed they would postpone last night's show at Echo Arena, Liverpool and subsequent dates at Manchester Arena later this week.

In a statement the band said: “Out of respect to all of the people and their families that were affected by the horrific incident last night at The Manchester Arena, we have decided to postpone our show tonight in Liverpool. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all." 

The Manchester Arena subsequently tweeted the news that Take That's gigs there - set to take place on May 25, 26 and 27 - have also been postponed. A statement said: "Due to the tragic events in Manchester last night and the ongoing police investigation, the scheduled Take That concerts on Thursday 25, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 have been postponed. Further details will be released as soon as possible."

Take That are midway thorough a UK arena tour, which is also scheduled to reach Sheffield, Birmingham, London, Swansea and Norwich in the coming weeks.

Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool said: "Our thoughts are with those affected by the devastating tragedy in Manchester.  Our sympathies go out to everyone at this tragic time. We have been liaising with Take That and their promoter and they understandably wish to postpone tonight’s concert at Echo Arena Liverpool. We completely respect their decision which serves as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives and the people of Manchester."

Further information will be communicated with Echo Arena Liverpool customers as soon as it is available.

Later on Tuesday, The Courteeners confirmed their outdoor show at Lancashire County Cricket Ground will go ahead this weekend, read full information and statements from the band, promoter SJM concerts and the venue here.

BBC Radio 1 has has released a statement on events in Manchester, but has not confirmed whether its Big Weekend festival - due to take place in Hull this weekend - will go ahead. The statement said: “Our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those affected by the tragic events in Manchester. The health and safety of everyone involved in Big Weekend is now our primary focus and we are carrying out a full assessment, with the police and our partners, of every aspect of the festival.”

Dot To Dot, Liverpool Sound City and Slam Dunk festivals have all released statements confirming that they will go ahead this weekend, informing fans of increased security and counter terrorism measures. Parklife Festival, due to take place in Manchester from June 10-11 "will go ahead as planned".

Music Week made enquiries about other shows due to take place in Manchester on Monday night. A spokesperson for the city’s Bridgewater Hall confirmed Simple Minds’ show was going ahead, adding that increased security was a possibility.

The venue later released the following statement: "After the tragic events at Manchester Arena last night, the team at The Bridgewater Hall are aware of the heightened level of threat against venues across the country. This evening’s performance featuring Simple Minds will proceed as planned. Please continue to consult the Bridgewater Hall Website for additional updates as they become available. Patrons should plan for addition travel time to attend the performance and to allow for additional security checks. Management are in communication with police and relevant authorities and are continually reviewing our security and safety procedures. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of anyone associated with the Manchester Arena incident." 

London Posse's performance at the city's Rebellion was postponed. The venue apologised for any inconvenience caused and said information regarding tickets and refunds can be found at the point of purchase. 

Manchester venue The Soup Kitchen confirmed to Music Week that Monday's White Hills show would go ahead as planned. Other shows in the city by Broken Social Scene, Homeshake and Priests also went ahead, and fans shared posts on social media from all four.

In London, Tuesday's Blondie gig at Hackney Round Chapel was cancelled, as was Radio Festival, which was due to take place at The British Library.

Roger Cutsforth, chief executive of Radio Academy and organisers of the Radio Festival said:  “We have taken the difficult decision to postpone today’s festival following the very tragic events which took place last night in Manchester. Firstly, our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of last night’s tragedy, and due to the sheer number of people from the industry who have been called back to their desks to report on the incident, and the many attendees attempting to travel, we have decided to re-schedule the event for later this year.”

Ticket holders were advised to keep their tickets and Radio Academy will make contact to advise of future arrangements.

Elsewhere, Royal Blood informed fans via Twitter that the on-sale date for their upcoming UK and European tours has been postponed.

Iron Maiden also tweeted that their scheduled UK shows in Cardiff (last night) and at London’s O2 Arena (May 27, 28) will proceed as planned.



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