As you’ve surely heard by now, the UK was hit by yet another terrorist attack last night. Three men men drove a van onto London Bridge, hitting pedestrians before they jumped out and began stabbing people. Seven people were killed and 48 were injured. The terrorists were shot and killed by police when they arrived on the scene. It sounds absolutely horrifying, and it’s especially scary considering the Manchester attack that happened less than two weeks ago. On May 22nd, a suicide bomber entered an Ariana Grande concert , setting off a nail bomb that killed 22 people. Countless others were injured. Ariana was understandably devastated by what happened, but she still managed to pull together, along with her team, to plan a benefit concert for the victims and their families. The concert will take place back in Manchester, and Ariana will perform, along with Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Take That, Coldplay, Niall Horan, Usher, Robbie Williams, Little Mix, the Black Eyed Peas, and Pharrell Williams. Anyone who attended her original Manchester concert can get in for free, and all proceeds will go to a fund set up for the people who were injured and the families of the people who were killed. The concert was scheduled for tonight … but will it go on in light of last night’s attack in London? According to Ariana’s manager, Scooter Braun, absolutely it will. Here’s the statement he released in full: After the events last night in London, and those in Manchester just two weeks ago, we feel a sense of responsibility to honor those lost, injured, and affected . We plan to honor them with courage, bravery, and defiance in the face of fear. Today’s One Love Manchester benefit concert will not only continue, but will do so with greater purpose. We must not be afraid and in tribute to all those affected here and around the world, we will bring our voices and sing loudly. I am pleased to say we have the full support of Greater Manchester Police and the government and are assured the safety of all those attending is the highest priority. All artists involved have been unwavering in their support this morning and are determined to carry on with the show. We ask the strong city of Manchester and the world to join us in making the statement that hatred and fear will never win. Today we stand together. Thank you. For their part, Manchester police have said that they’ll be thoroughly searching everyone coming into the concert . Ariana, meanwhile, has been in Manchester for a few days, visiting her fans who were injured during the original attack. Last night, she tweeted that she was “praying for London,” and this morning she’s been promoting tonight’s show. The concert will be televised in several countries, and any money earned from this will also go to the victims. It’s an amazing thing that Ariana and all these people are doing, and a very brave thing as well. Will you be watching? View Slideshow: Manchester Bombing: A Tribute to the Victims
Ariana Grande stopped by the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital to visit with victims of the May 22 Manchester Arena attack before her benefit concert on June 4.
Ariana Grande has talked the inspiring talk. And now she’s about to walk the fundraising walk. Just as she vowed she would do a few days ago in a moving statement , the artist has put together a concert in Manchester that won’t just honor the victims who died in last week’s nail bombing massacre… … it will also raise money for their families. As you very likely know by now, Grande had just finished a show in this same British city last Monday when tragedy struck. A terrorist detonated an explosive that killed 22 attendees , while also injuring dozens and dozens more. Grande rushed back to Florida to be with her family shortly after the attack, Tweeting that she was “broken” by what transpired and offering her heartfelt condolences to all affected by the massacre. But the young artist then re-grouped and came up with a plan of action. She will return to Manchester on June 4 for what is being titled the “One Love Manchester” concert. And she’s bringing some famous friends along with her. Here is what we now know about the special event: – It will be held at the city’s Old Trafford cricket ground, which can seat over 76,000 people. – Along with Grande, the following musicians are scheduled to perform: Justin Bieber, Take That, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Coldplay Niall Horan and Pharrell Williams. – Those who attended the ill-fated May 22 concert can request free tickets to see the show. – Regular tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Manchester time this Thursday, June 1. – All proceeds will go to an emergency fund set up by the city of Manchester and the British Red Cross to benefit the families of victims who perished in the bomb or victims who were injured in the attack. In the wake of this unimaginable crime, many of the stars who will take to the stage in Manchester Tweeted their support and prayers. “Broken hearted for the families tonight. Broken hearted for Ari. Broken hearted for the state of this world,” wrote Perry, while Bieber added: “#PrayforManchester.” Wrote Coldplay last week: “sending all of our Love to all those affected by last night’s tragedy in manchester.” Cyrus, meanwhile, dedicated the following performance on The Voice to everyone associated with this bombing: Miley Cyrus Dedicates The Voice Performance to Ariana Grande Grande has canceled all European tour dates up through June 7; it’s unclear right now if she’ll take the stage in Paris that night as initially planned. But here is a portion of what she wrote on Friday, as she announced this tribute concert and made fans out of pretty much every person on the planet: My heart, prayers and deepest condolences or with the victims of the Manchester Attack and their loved ones. There is nothing I or anyone can do to take away the pain you are feeling or to make this better. However, I extend my hand and heart and everything I possibly can give to you and yours, should you want or need my help in any way… Music is something that everyone on Earth can share. Music is meant to heal us, to bring us together, to make us happy. So that is what it will continue to do for us. We will continue in honor of the ones we lost, their loved ones, my fans and all affected by this tragedy. They will be on my mind and in my heart everyday and I will think of them with everything I do for the rest of my life. View Slideshow: Manchester Bombing: A Tribute to the Victims Amen, Ariana. Click through the photos above for a look at the people who died at her concert last week. May they all rest in peace.
Ariana Grande Will Headline Manchester Bombing Benefit Concert In UK Although Ariana Grande said she will be taking an extended break from performing, she has already reneged…for a very good reason. TMZ reports that Grande will headline what looks to be a huge, A-List, star-studded benefit concert for those affected by the bombing this past week. Word is that Ariana and pop star manager Scooter Braun are making calls to the biggest names in music to come out and perform. The venue for the concert isn’t set yet, but it will not be held at Manchester Arena. The show will be promoted by Live Nation and all of the proceeds will to the injured victims and the families of those who lost their loved ones. Gotta imagine that this is going to be a VERY emotional show. Good for Ariana for showing bravery in the face of a terrifying situation. Images via Getty
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