Coldplay and Justin Bieber remembered the victims of the Paris terror attacks during shows in Los Angeles on Friday night (13Nov15).
Terrorists targeted several sites in the French capital on Friday, with armed men shooting innocent bystanders at restaurants and bars. It was reported that at least two bombs were detonated outside the Stade de France during a soccer match between France and Germany, which French President Francois Hollande was attending.
Hostages were taken at the Eagles of Death Metal gig at the city’s Bataclan venue, with reports suggesting more than 80 revellers were killed by terrorists inside the concert hall.
Stars expressed their shock and sadness on social media as the atrocity was unfolding, with many telling their fans to “Pray for Paris”.
Justin Bieber, who was performing two concerts at the Staples Center in Los Angeles when the terrorists struck Paris on Friday, had extra security guards on-hand as he left the venue, editors at Billboard.com report.
They also report that during Bieber’s second gig, he led his fans in a prayer for the victims. The singer wrote on Twitter.com, “Had a great first show but just heard about what happened in Paris. Thoughts and prayers with everyone #PrayForParis.”
He later added, “My love prayers and thoughts are with the families of this horrible tragedy. #prayforparis”.
Reports suggest a Coldplay gig at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles on Friday night was almost cancelled after the band heard about the attacks.
However, the rockers went ahead with the show as planned, opening with a minute’s silence and a rendition of John Lennon’s peace anthem Imagine.
British TV presenter Richard Bacon, who attended the Coldplay show, tweeted, “At the Coldplay gig in downtown LA. Having nearly been cancelled, it opened with a minute’s silence then Imagine.”
Coldplay later released a statement announcing a performance which was due to be streamed online on Saturday (14Nov15) has been postponed, and they will instead play a stripped back show for ticket-holders.
They wrote, “Tonight’s live stream for Tidal… has been postponed out of respect for the terrible events in Paris. All tickets will be valid for the rescheduled show, with details to follow soon. For those of you already down at the venue and those on your way, we’ll play a short set of old material so that your journey isn’t wasted. We send our love and prayers to the people of Paris. Love Coldplay.”
Taylor Swift tweeted a photo of herself on a bridge in Paris, with the caption, “Praying for Paris. Our hearts are breaking for and with you,” and boyband One Direction released a statement, which reads, “We would like to send our thoughts and condolences to those who have been affected by the heartbreaking tragedy in Paris this weekend.”
Actress Ashley Judd, who was about to board a flight to the French capital before planes heading to Paris were grounded, tweeted, “I am a near miss woman. I… had already checked in for my flight to #Paris… God bless everyone, including those who feel they must use hate to achieve some strange peace. God loves us all & love will win. #Paris.”
Patricia Arquette shared a passionate post on Twitter, writing, “I cannot understand any of this. I cannot understand how bankrupt & lost people have to be to do something like this to fellow human beings.”
Joseph Gordon-Levitt wrote, “Sending comfort and condolences to those who lost loved ones in Paris”, while Captain America star Chris Evans posted, “Cowards. Stay strong, Paris. Thoughts are with you all.”
Other stars to have tweeted their condolences include rapper Lil Wayne, British singer Florence Welch, country star Carrie Underwood and actress Milla Jovovich.
All of the weekend’s (14-15Nov15) sporting fixtures in Paris have been cancelled, Disneyland Paris has been shut and Irish rockers U2 have axed their Saturday night (14Nov15) show in the city. Actress Vanessa Redgrave also scrapped a planned masterclass event in Paris which was part of the city’s 7th State of the World and Cinema festival.
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