U2 Cancel HBO Concert Special Amid Paris Attacks
U2 have cancelled their planned HBO concert special, scheduled to broadcast live on Saturday (Nov. 14) from Paris, as a result of the devastating series of terrorist attacks in France this evening.
The band posted a message on their official website late this evening:
"As a result of the ongoing state of emergency across France, the U2 Paris concert scheduled for 14th November will not be going ahead as planned. U2 and Live Nation, along with HBO who were due to live broadcast the Saturday concert, are fully resolved to go ahead with this show at an appropriate time. Speaking from Paris the band said: “We watched in disbelief and shock at the unfolding events in Paris and our hearts go out to all the victims and their families across the city tonight. We are devastated at the loss of life at the Eagles of Death Metal concert and our thoughts and prayers are with the band and their fans. And we hope and pray that all of our fans in Paris are safe.”
According to Billboard, the band was rehearsing for their upcoming show 2.8 miles away from Bataclan, the concert venue where Eagles of Death Metal were playing before gunmen opened fire inside, killing many concertgoers while holding others hostage before anti-terrorist commandos intervened. U2 has since reportedly been moved to a safe area and remain in lockdown.
While the story is still developing, the Associated Press reports that as many as 120 people were killed during Friday night's Paris Attacks.
Our thoughts are with Paris, as well as anyone who has been affected by this tragedy. For more information: