Condolences and prayers from across the globe poured in last night after news of the horrific bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England. The blast killed at least 22 and injured 59 more as concertgoers left the pop superstar's performance at Manchester Arena.
Musicians in particular expressed horror at the attack. Country stars came out in solidarity with their pop brothers and sisters.
Sending our thoughts and prayers out for @ArianaGrande and all of her fans tonight in Manchester U.K.
— Rascal Flatts (@rascalflatts) May 22, 2017
Heartbreaking.. My heart goes out to all victims and families. ?? #Manchester https://t.co/G00FFD9LfQ
— Lindsay Ell (@lindsayell) May 23, 2017
Some had harsher words, no doubt spurred by anger and sadness.
https://twitter.com/MarenMorris/status/866798730183417856
Others yet couldn't find the words.
Speechless ?
— Cassadee Pope (@CassadeePope) May 23, 2017
Can't find the right words, just sadness. Prayers are with Manchester.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) May 23, 2017
Many of the singers at one time performed in that very arena and fell in love with the city of Manchester.
My heart and prayers go out to everyone in Manchester. I love that city. God bless you all!!
— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) May 23, 2017
My heart and prayers go out to everyone in Manchester. I love that city. God bless you all!!
— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) May 23, 2017
Prayers for Manchester. So sad. Concerts are supposed to be a time to have fun and forget the worldly problems. This is awful. ?
— Walker McGuire (@walkermcguire) May 23, 2017
In times like these, many people don't know what else to do. So they offer their "thoughts and prayers" as a way of letting fans know they care about them.
My thoughts and prayers for all those hurt and traumatized at the concert in Manchester @ArianaGrande I'm sick to my stomach
— Mickey Guyton (@MickeyGuyton) May 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/billyraycyrus/status/866822708402814976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.countrycommon.com%2Fmanchester-england-concert-bombing%2F
https://twitter.com/taylorswift13/status/866824457050099712
For now, the city of Manchester believes they know who perpetrated the attack. At least one other person, a 23-year-old man, was implicated in the attack as well. Terrorist organization ISIS since claimed responsibility for the attack.
Many of those affected by the Manchester bombing include young kids, as Grande's fan base heavily skews towards young girls. One confirmed fatality includes a girl as young as eight years old.
When the pop singer heard about the attack, she shared this tweet, which has since been retweeted nearly 800,000 times.
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/866849021519966208
Musicians are already banding together to offer support for victims and the larger Manchester community. The English city features one of the world's most robust musical scenes.
For now, all fellow musicians can do is offer up their love and support. With several big country stars slated to perform in Manchester in the coming months, there's no telling how the world will react. Hopefully with love and compassion — and concerts twice as loud as before.
