Take That’s Liverpool gig cancelled tonight and Manchester concerts hang in the balance as Gary Barlow tells fans they’re ‘waiting for news’ following bomb attack
TAKE That have postponed their gig in Liverpool tonight following the suicide bombing at Manchester Arena.
The pop stars have decided to call off the show just hours before they were due to take to the stage, and their upcoming shows in Manchester now hang in the balance.
A statement from the band explained: "Out of respect to all of the people and their families that were affected by the horrific incident last night at The Manchester Arena, we have decided to postpone our show tonight in Liverpool. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
The band had been due to play at the Liverpool Echo Arena tonight as part of their Wonderland Live tour, which is due to stop at Manchester Arena later this week.
They have three dates booked at the venue, where a nail exploded last night killing 22 people and injuring 59 more, later this week and another three next week.
The news has also been confirmed by bosses at the Liverpool Echo Arena, who revealed they have been liaising with the band since last night's atrocity at Ariana Grande's show.
A statement posted on the venue's website added: "Our thoughts are with those affected by the devastating tragedy in Manchester. Our sympathies go out to everyone at this tragic time.
"We have been liaising with Take That and their promoter and they are understandably wishing to postpone tonight’s concert at Echo Arena Liverpool."
Bandmember Gary Barlow has been on Twitter reassuring worried fans, and he has explained that they were ";waiting for news" about their Manchester shows,
When a follower asked the singer whether the concerts will go ahead, Gary replied: "We're waiting for news xxx.2
Many fans have also been tweeting Gary with their safety concerns for the tour, and the pop veteran has insisted that security will be stepped up for their next dates.
He wrote: "Security will change now at gigs which will keep us all safer x."
Gary went on to suggest the Liverpool show will be added back into the tour schedule after the band play in Norwich on June 15 and 16.
At least 22 people were killed and 59 injured when a bomb - said to have been packed with nails and bolts - went off at Manchester Arena shortly after US pop star Ariana left the stage.
Some of those killed were children who were there to watch the singer performing on her UK tour.
The venue remains closed today as investigators attempt to piece together what happened last night, and it is not known when it will reopen.
Other upcoming gigs at the venue include a show by US rock giants KISS on May 30, and Kings Of Leon on June 9.
Thousands fled the venue last night after hearing a “massive bang” with crowds of screaming and crying teens rushing from the scene.
Witnesses told how debris was sent flying in the blast in the lobby area as fans made their way to Manchester Victoria train station next door.
Today police have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the bombing.
Prime Minister Theresa May called the attack "appalling", and stars including Taylor Swift and Katy Perry have expressed their sorrow over the atrocity.
It led to disruption of today's TV schedule with shows including This Morning, Lorraine and Loose Women all being cancelled to make way for rolling news coverage.
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