Members of Simple Plan react to Manchester concert terrorist attack

By now, you have surely heard about the terrifying terrorist attack that happened after the end of the Ariana Grande show at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, UK. An explosion caused by a suicide bomber that took place in the corridors connecting the venue with the close-by subway station took the lives of 22 people and left over 50 people injured. The incident is still being investigated by the local authorities and the international terrorism threat level has now been set to severe in the United Kingdom.

This attacks comes a year and half after another terrorist attack that involved a European concert venue – the 2015 attack of the Bataclan venue in Paris, France. Back then, Simple Plan were just about to head out to Europe to perform at a secret show in Paris two days after the attack and David was even initially planning to attend the Bataclan concert. However after this (and several more happening in Paris that day) they decided to cancel their trip [read more about that here].

With last night’s terrorist attack in Manchester hitting so close to home to many music fans and musicians – once again with a concert venue being the target, some members of Simple Plan offered their condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and expressed solidarity with the city of Manchester. You can read their words below:

This is a photo from our show in Manchester last year. We love this city and it literally breaks our hearts to see what happened last night at the Ariana Grande show. 💔💔💔 We would like to send our thoughts of love and deepest condolences to all the music fans, parents, venue staff and security personnel, artists and families affected by this tragedy. Music is a way to connect together, to celebrate life and provide an escape from our everyday troubles. It should never be a target for hate and senseless violence. We stand with you, Manchester. Stay strong! Please use the comment section below to leave your thoughts and messages for Manchester and everyone affected by this tragedy.”

– Simple Plan [official statement on band’s Instagram] –

“Completely speechless… My thoughts are with you [United Kingdom].”

– Sebastien Lefebvre –

“I can’t believe what just happened in Manchester. My thoughts and prayers go out to this beautiful city and its people.”

– Pierre Bouvier –

“Manchester – Ariana Grande’s concert – A concert is a communion of people sharing their love for music. As humans, we strive to make social connections and we often identify ourselves with a culture, an esthetic, an artist, a movement that allow us to meet like minded people. Attacking the expression of one of our most beautiful human traits is horrible. My prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their families. Don’t get desensitized to these events even if they occur more often now. “

– Jeff Stinco –

“Absolutely heartbreaking to see what is happening in Manchester right now. Terrifying to think that concerts are a target again. 💔 My heart goes out to all the music fans and people affected by this horrific event.”

– Chuck Comeau –