U2 announced last night that they will not perform their Saturday show in Paris, which was supposed to be broadcast live on HBO. The group also postponed their Sunday show.
The decisions came after a string of coordinated attacks around Paris Friday night. French President Francois Hollande blamed the attacks on the Islamic State and called them “an act of war,” with 128 people dead. One of the attacks took place at a concert venue, where the American group Eagles of Death Metal were performing.
“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,” U2 said in a statement on their website. “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. And we hope and pray that all of our fans in Paris are safe.”
Lead singer Bono also told RTE 2fm that the group has decided not to go ahead with their Sunday show either. Bono said that they hope to return to Paris to perform, but he wanted to extend his condolences to victims and their families first.
The group performed earlier this week in Paris on Tuesday and Wednesday.
HBO has decided to air the film Jersey Boys in place of the U2 concert tonight.