U2 Cancels Live HBO Concert in France Following Paris Attacks

U2 cancelled their live HBO concert in France following the Paris attacks this past Friday (Nov. 13). They were reportedly a very short distance from the shootings where an estimated 118 citizens were killed in a premeditated attack at The Eagles of Death Metal concert.

Billboard reported that Bono was seen in a rehearsal earlier that same day at the AccorHotels arena, which was a mere few miles away from where the shooter fired into the crowd. Eagles of Death Metal is an American band who were performing at the Bataclan venue for their Parisian fans.

All group members, including guitarist The Edge, bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr., were immediately scooted away by security so that they would remain safe. France's president Francois Hollande declared a state of emergency in the city immediately after the attacks and the national borders were even closed.

Due to the state of emergency across France, the concert that was scheduled the next day (Nov. 14) was subsequently cancelled. U2, in accordance with Live Nation, had been scheduled to do a live broadcast of the HBO show but decided that it was not an appropriate time to move forward with it due to obvious circumstances.

In a statement posted to their official website, U2 extended well wishes to those affected saying, "We watched in disbelief and shock at the unfolding events in Paris and our hearts go out to all the victims and their families across the city tonight." They continued with, "We are devastated at the loss of life at the Eagles of Death Metal concert and our thoughts and prayers are with the band and their fans. We hope and pray that all of our fans in Paris are safe."

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