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U2 and Foo Fighters cancel shows in Paris after wave of terrorist attacks

UPDATE 11:11 a.m.: Deftones, who were set to play the Bataclan over three nights beginning tonight, and were at the Paris venue the night of the terrorist siege, have cancelled the remainder of their tour and returned to the United States. Eagles of Death Metal have also cancelled the rest of their European run, which was set to conclude December 10 in Portugal.


After a string of deadly terrorist attacks last night in France’s capital that reportedly killed more than 120 people, U2 have postponed their concerts tonight and tomorrow night at Paris’ AccorHotel Arena. Tonight’s show was to be broadcast live on HBO, and earlier this week Boston musician Gretchen Shae of the Knock Ups was included in an online poll to potentially join the band live on stage. U2 say in a statement that they are “fully resolved to go ahead with this show at an appropriate time.”

Foo Fighters have also canceled the remainder of their European tour dates, including tonight’s show at Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy, and a Monday night gig at Bercy Arena in Paris. Two other Foo shows (November 17 at France’s Halle Tony Garnier in Lyon and November 19 at Spain’s Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona) have also been cancelled.

The Foo Fighters released the following statement: “It is with profound sadness and heartfelt concern for everyone in Paris that we have been forced to announce the cancellation of the rest of our tour. In light of this senseless violence, the closing of borders, and international mourning, we can’t continue right now. There is no other way to say it. This is crazy and it sucks. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was hurt or who lost a loved one.”

Members of U2 also released a statement along with their cancellation, writing: “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.”

Swedish metal band In Flames have canceled their show tonight in Nancy, France. They write: “In the light of the absolutely horrific events in Paris last night, we have decided to cancel tonight’s show in Nancy. We will spend the day thinking of our friends, colleagues, fans and families that were affected.”

Last night’s attacks around Paris included a hostage-taking siege on concert hall Bataclan, where California rock band Eagles of Death Metal were performing. Police have stated that roughly 80 concertgoers were killed in the venue.

Featured photo of U2’s Larry Mullen Jr via the U2 Facebook page.