Bono on Attack at Paris Concert Venue: ‘These Are Our People, This Could Be Me or You at a Show’
U2 were scheduled to play a concert in Paris tonight (Nov. 14), which has been postponed in the wake of several attacks across the city. The Irish rockers were rehearsing for the gig only a couple miles from Le Bataclan, the concert venue where a deadly shootout took place during an Eagles of Death Metal show. In an interview with Irish radio DJ Dave Fanning today, Bono reacted to the tragic events.
“Everybody is safe in our party, which is great,” Bono said. “Our first thoughts at this point are with the Eagles of Death Metal fans.”
“If you think about it, the majority of victims last night are music fans,” he continued. “This is the first direct hit on music that we’ve had in this so-called War on Terror or whatever it’s called. It’s very upsetting. These are our people, this could be me at a show [or] you at a show in that venue.”
U2 were one of several bands forced to cancel concerts following the unprecedented attacks in the French capital that night. Bono says they have every intention of rescheduling the show, which was also set to broadcast live on HBO.
“We didn’t call it off,” he said. “It was canceled, honest, and I understand perfectly why. I think music is very important. I think U2 has a role to play and I can’t wait ‘itl we get back to Paris and play. That’s what I’m feeling from the messages we’re receiving from music fans; these people will not set our agenda.”