Promotion company Live Nation has announced that it will be stepping up security procedures following the recent terrorist attacks in Paris.At least 129 people were killed and around 350 are injured after a series of violent attacks in the French capital on Friday night (November 13). Music venue Le Bataclan was the worst hit, with 118 civilians killed during a shooting at an Eagles Of Death Metal concert.Following the tragic news, Live Nation – which runs numerous venues around the world and UK, including Manchester O2 Apollo and Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena – have issued a statement.The statement reads: “The safety and security of our shows, fans and venues continues to be our highest priority. Due to the recent events in Paris, and in an abundance of caution, we have implemented heightened security procedures globally.””However, because of the sensitive nature of these protocols, we cannot elaborate further on the specific details,” the company added.Several music industry figures have applauded the move while also acknowledging the difficulties faced.
Gary Bongiovanni, editor of live music industry magazine Pollstar, said: “It s only logical for major venues worldwide to have heightened security. But the truth is that there is only so much anyone can do to stop a wave of suicidal attackers.”Andy Hughes/NMEStaff from Le Bataclan recently issued their first statement following the terror attack at the venue. It begins with “no words sufficient to express the magnitude of our grief,” before adding: “Our thoughts are with the victims, the wounded and their relatives.”The statement then goes on to explain that people wishing to gather in front of the venue to pay their respects to the dead will not be able to, until after police have finished working on the site.Translated, the statement reads: “There are no words sufficient to express the magnitude of our grief.
Our thoughts are with the victims, the wounded and their relatives. You may want to gather together, unfortunately the authorities still need to work on site. We will keep you informed of when it will be posible to gather.
We thank you for your support, it touches us deeply.”Eagles Of Death Metal merchandise seller, Nick Alexander was the first Briton confirmed to have been killed in the attacks.
Mercury Records’ international product manager Thomas Ayad and Les InRocks reporter William B Decherf are also among the deceased.Musicians around the world have reacted with horror to the attacks, including those who have friends in the city and others who have performed at the Bataclan venue over the years.
Among the artists who have delivered messages are Taylor Swift, Pharrell Williams, Justin Bieber, Jared Leto, AC/DC, Sam Smith, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake and more.The likes of U2 and Foo Fighters have cancelled upcoming shows in Paris and elsewhere in Europe following the attacks.
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