Paris attacks: Security stepped up at UK music venues

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Security guardImage source, Thinkstock

Security is set to be stepped up at music venues across the UK and Europe.

It's in reaction to the deaths of 89 people at the Bataclan theatre who were killed by gunmen during an Eagles of Death Metal gig on Friday in Paris.

Multiple attacks on Friday left in total 129 people dead. IS has claimed it was behind the killings.

Performances by U2, Foo Fighters, Years & Years and Rudimental have all been cancelled.

Live Nation, the global concert firm, said in a statement that it would be increasing security at its venues.

"The safety and security of our shows, fans and venues continues to be our highest priority," the company said.

Image source, AFP/Getty Images

"Due to the recent events in Paris, and in an abundance of caution, we have implemented heightened security procedures globally.

"However, because of the sensitive nature of these protocols, we cannot elaborate further on the specific details."

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Flowers and candles line the street outside the Bataclan Theatre in Paris

Live Nation runs a number of music venues across the world including the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff and the O2 Apollo in Manchester.

It is also reported there was additional security for a promotional event for Justin Bieber at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, run by AEG Live.

They run Wembley stadium and The O2 Arena in London, where the ATP World Tour Finals are taking place this week.

Image source, Reuters
Image caption,

Andy Murray is taking part in the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena this week

Security at the tennis arena has been stepped up but access to the shops and restaurants around will be business as usual.

It is far too soon to know what this means for the future of music venues, tours and promoters.

While stepping up security is an obvious reaction, it's unclear whether it would have been able to prevent such highly co-ordinated attacks such as the ones in Paris.

Music venues are more difficult to secure compared to football grounds and airports.

Security systems can vary from venue to venue and even show to show.

Meanwhile, musicians honoured the victims of the Paris attacks during gigs over the weekend.

Image caption,

Justin Bieber called for a minute's silence during an acceptance speech at the Halo Hall of Fame awards in New York

Justin Bieber called for a minute's silence during an acceptance speech at the first ever Halo Hall of Fame Award on Saturday in New York City.

"There have been some sad things happening in the world right now," he said on stage.

"I think we should honour that and just take one moment of silence if you guys could, take a moment."

One Direction did the same at a gig for Apple Music on Saturday.

Image caption,

One Direction also called for a minute's silence during a show for Apple Music

Madonna gave a moving tribute whilst performing in Stockholm on Saturday night.

"In many ways, I feel torn," she told her fans as she tried to hold back her tears.

"Why am I up here dancing and having fun when people are crying over the loss of their loved ones?

"However, that is exactly what these people want to do, they want to shut us up, they want to silence us and we won't let them."

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