‘We won’t let hate win’ – Ariane Grande to return to Manchester for benefit concert
Ariana Grande announced a benefit concert in Manchester via social media on Friday. Photo: Getty
American pop star Ariana Grande has issued an official statement after 22 people were killed at her concert at Manchester Arena, vowing to return to the “brave city” for a benefit concert to help the victims and their loved ones.
Grande took to Twitter on Friday, in a statement both defiant and deeply emotional, to send a message to her millions of fans.
“We will not quit or operate in fear. We won’t let this divide us. We won’t let hate win.
“My heart, prayers, and deepest condolences are 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,” she began.
“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.”
The Dangerous Woman singer went on to confirm an upcoming benefit concert in England, although specific details are currently unknown.
“I’ll be returning to the incredibly brave city of Manchester to spend time with my fans and to have a benefit concert in honour of and to raise money for the victims and their families,” Grande wrote.
“I will have details to share with you as soon as everything is confirmed.”
Twenty-two people were killed and dozens more badly injured after Grande’s concert at Manchester Arena when a suicide bomber, suspected to be 22-year-old Salman Abedi, detonated an improvised explosive device.
Grande said, in response to “this violence” that she wanted to spend time with her fans and to see the “beautiful, diverse, pure happy crowd” once again.
“Music is mean’t to heal us, to bring us together, to make us happy.
“We will continue in honour of the ones we lost, their loved ones, my fans and all affected by this tragedy,” Grande said, saying the victims would be on her mind, in her heart everyday and she would think about them for the rest of her life.
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/868167816939278337
She wanted to also thank her fellow musicians and friends for “reaching out” to be part of her “expressions of love”.
Take That have donated the proceeds from their rescheduled concert in Liverpool to the victims of the Manchester bombing.
The band played at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Monday night but postponed Tuesday’s show at the venue following the terror attack at the Manchester Arena.
Speaking at the rearranged gig on Friday night Gary Barlow apologised for the change of dates as he urged fans to “send good vibrations all around the world”.
“Dance, sing, have a night to remember, please.”
Band mate Mark Owen told fans: “We would like to dedicate tonight’s performance to everyone who has been affected by the events that happened in Manchester last Monday night.
“All profits from tonight’s concert will be going to the I Love Manchester emergency fund.”