Photo via Echo & The Bunnymen’s Instagram
Musicians and fans from around the world are standing in solidarity today with the people of Manchester, site of an Islamic State-claimed suicide bombing that killed at least 22 fans leaving an Ariana Grande arena concert last night.
Not surprisingly, some of that city’s most famed musicians — including Johnny Marr of The Smiths and Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order — have raised their voices, as well. (Hook reports his daughter attended the concert, and made it home safely.)
Manchester, no doubt, has a special place in the heart of the music fans who read this site, and we at Slicing Up Eyeballs extend our deepest condolences to anyone affected by this horrendous attack.
Below we’ve rounded up reaction to the bombing, via Twitter, from musicians including Alison Moyet, Robyn Hitchcock, The Waterboys’ Mike Scott, Midge Ure, Pet Shop Boys and more.
Manchester stands together.
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) May 23, 2017
My daughter made it home safe from Ariana Grande last night. My heart goes out to all parents & those involved. Manchester stay strong. X
— Peter Hook (@peterhook) May 23, 2017
Our hearts go out to the victims and their families affected #WeStandTogether #Manchester pic.twitter.com/bmK5mklA2d
— Joy Division (@joydivision) May 23, 2017
Our hearts go out to the victims and their families affected #WeStandTogether #Manchester
— New Order (@neworder) May 23, 2017
Grieving for Manchester and for all the victims of this savage attack last night. Love, Neil and Chris xx
— Pet Shop Boys (@petshopboys) May 23, 2017
22 music loving children gone in Manchester. Obscene and cowardly in the extreme. My heart goes out to all the friends and families affected
— midge ure (@midgeure1) May 23, 2017
There are no words. Sickening and sadness and evil don’t begin to express feelings. Thoughts of Manchester today and for all lost.
— Marc Almond (@MarcAlmond) May 23, 2017
Much Prayer and Godspeed to Manchester UK. . A place and people I long HAVE considered as ‘homefolk’ in my many visits there of support …
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) May 23, 2017
To great Manchester friends I’m thinking of you. The taking of these precious lives breaks my heart. Your great Manchester spirit will win.
— Howard Jones (@howardjones) May 23, 2017
#Manchester gutted! What a cowardly act; thoughts are with all the people in this wonderful city.
— Horace Panter (@horacepanterart) May 23, 2017
Sending love to the families and children of Manchester effected in last night’s cynical and violent attack stay strong Manchester 🌹❤️
— THE CULT (@officialcult) May 23, 2017
Manchester. Always a great audience, always a great gig. The very heartbeat of Britain. Love on you today.
— Mike Scott (@MickPuck) May 23, 2017
Why, where music and youth exist, must evil and fear dare to tread again?
Manchester, I share your sorrow.— Lol Tolhurst (@LolTolhurst) May 23, 2017
A bleak and tragic day for music and for Manchester. Sending love to all the families affected. Love can hopefully overcome
— The Charlatans (@thecharlatans) May 23, 2017
Bombing babies when they are out chasing happy. Were there a god, be sure He hangs is head and weeps at the shame
We are bereft #Manchester— Alison Moyet (@AlisonMoyet) May 23, 2017
My heart goes out to Manchester; those who killed and wounded so many defenseless people there tonight have not helped their cause one iota.
— Robyn Hitchcock (@RobynHitchcock) May 23, 2017
Manchester still has a special place in my heart all because of the bands I listen to are from there. Feeling VERY depressed about how many young and innocent lives are lost. I also have friends in Manchester and I really hope they’re safe.
I’m a big fan of the Manchester music scene so this hits home even more. So sad to learn so many young lives were lost from this heinous and cowardly act. Hold strong Manchester…you WILL persevere and make it through this very difficult time.