U2 reschedule Paris concerts delayed by attacks

PARIS, France – U2 on Monday announced new dates for two shows delayed by the attacks in Paris, including a tour-capping performance to be broadcast on US television.

The Irish rock legends will play at Bercy, the largest covered music venue in Paris, on December 6 and 7, promoters Live Nation said.

The second show will be broadcast on HBO – a live performance that was originally set for November 14 and had been heavily promoted in the United States. (READ: U2 cancel Paris concert after attacks)

The band said it had been eager to quickly reschedule the shows in the wake of the November 13 assault as a sign of solidarity.

“So much that was taken from Paris on the tragic night of November 13 is irreplaceable. For one night, the killers took lives, took music, took peace of mind – but they couldn’t steal the spirit of that city,” singer Bono said in a statement.

Some 130 people were killed in the attack on Paris claimed by the Islamic State group, including at least 89 who were massacred at the Bataclan hall during a concert by California rockers Eagles of Death Metal.

U2, who had already played two shows in Paris, later paid their respects at the club.

U2 – whose 2009-2011 concerts marked the top-grossing tour in musical history – had designed the Paris performances to cap a half year of shows that began in May in Vancouver.

After shows this week in the band’s native Ireland, the Paris performances will now also be the last on the “Innocence and Experience” tour. 

While still selling out venues, U2 has faced a series of setbacks on the tour including guitarist The Edge falling off stage at the first show and longtime manager Dennis Sheehan dying on the road. – Rappler.com

More on the Paris attacks:

• Over 128 killed, 180 injured in Paris attacks
• IN PHOTOS: November 13 Paris attacks
• ISIS claims Paris attacks
• US band caught up in Paris attacks reported safe
• Witnesses tell of ‘bloodbath’ at Paris rock concert
• Shock, horror for 80,000 fans at Stade de France after Paris attacks
• French search for friends, shelter online after Paris attacks

Global, social media reactions

• World leaders condemn Paris attacks, vow to help
• Pope Francis on Paris attacks: ‘This is not human’
• Aquino: ‘Philippines stands shoulder to shoulder with France’
• ‘This time it’s war:’ French press react with horror to attacks
• World mourns and condemns attacks in Paris
• #PrayForParis, #Fusillade trends on Twitter amid Paris attacks
• Celebrities call for support, prayers for Paris