The Music Industry Reacts to Devastating Paris Attacks With Heightened Security
In the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris which targeted many popular locations across the city including the historic Bataclan venue, multiple live-music promoters and venues are increasing security and making emergency contingency plans.
The New York Times reports that mega-promoter Live Nation has begun taking additional safety precaution in venues within the USA and across the globe. “The safety and security of our shows, fans and venues continues to be our highest priority,” the company said in a statement. “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.”
AEG Live, who promotes countless Top 40 acts as well as such festivals as Coachella, Firefly, Hangout and Bumbershoot, has also began to take extra steps to keep their venues safe, heightening security at a Justin Bieber event at the Staples Center in Los Angeles over the weekend.
New York City is also starting to put plans into place for new safety measures in venues. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams is proposing emergency drills for large venues, event halls, malls and other large gathering places. The NY Daily News reports that Adams will unveil his plan for the special meeting Sunday night at a candlelight vigil for the massacre’s victims. The plan will cover everything from Brooklyn’s largest venue, The Barclays Center, which holds over 18,000, to smaller venues such as the Kings Theatre and Music Hall of Williamsburg.
Many bands have canceled or postponed tour dates in France in the wake of this tragedy including Foo Fighters, U2, Prince, Marilyn Manson and Deftones. We stand with both Paris and the music industry on this; safety is the most important part of any successful event — it is a shame we need to take these precautions, but the industry will not stand down to terrorism.