U2 frontman Bono has responded to the terrorist attacks in Paris that killed over 120 people, injured 350 more and prompted U2’s scheduled concert and HBO special to be canceled.
Bono spoke to Irish DJ Dave Fanning in a radio interview on Saturday and explained what he and his bandmates had gone through as they were rehearsing in Paris Friday night (via Rolling Stone).
“Our security locked it down pretty quickly and we got our team and our crew out of there safely,” Bono said. “We came to the back door of the hotel. Everyone congregated and watched the TV like everybody else in disbelief with what was happening. We’re all safe.”
He also took the opportunity to clarify that it wasn’t U2’s decision to cancel the concert.
“We didn’t call it off,” Bono said. “It was canceled, honest, and I understand perfectly why … It’s up to the French authorities and the city to decide when we can go back.”
Bono then addressed the significance of the bulk of the fatalities occurring at a rock concert.
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“Our first thoughts at this point are with the Eagles of Death Metal fans,” he said. “If you think about it, the majority of victims last night are music fans. This is the first direct hit on music that we’ve had in this so-called War on Terror, or whatever it’s called. It’s very upsetting.”
He added, “These are our people. This could be me at a show, you at a show, in that venue. It’s a very recognizable situation for you and for me and the coldblooded aspect of this slaughter is deeply disturbing and that’s what I can’t get out of my head.”
“Music is very important,” he went on. “I think U2 has a role to play and I can’t wait till we get back to Paris and play and that’s what I’m feeling from the messages we’re receiving from music fans is these people will not set our agenda. They will not organize our lives for us.”
