Ariana Grande Sets Date For Manchester Benefit Concert; Brother, Frankie J. Grande, Makes A Statement
It hasn’t even been a week since 22 people were killed and as many as 116 were injured during Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman concert, however Ariana is already busy planning to return to the city to do a benefit concert for the victims.
Ariana Grande will be returning to Manchester on June 4, 2017 to perform a concert for the city and one of the other four arena’s that have not been damaged. She has stated that she has reached out to some of the “biggest names in music,” but has yet to identify whom. As of now, the date is set, but there is no information for fans on how to get tickets or who will be playing.
The pop star broke her silence by posting an Instagram post where she had typed a heartfelt letter to the victims and the families of those who had lost their lives in the blast.
“I’ll be returning to the incredibly brave city of Manchester to spend time with my fans and the have a benefit concert in honor of and to raise money for the victims and their families…I will have details to share with you as soon as everything is confirmed.”
Ariana Grande was heavily criticized by chat show host, Piers Morgan, for not staying in Manchester after the terrorist attack, stating that if the Queen can go to Manchester to visit those in the hospital, so can Ariana. He also stated that since they spent as much as hundreds of pounds for the concert, the singer who they paid to come see could definitely spare a moment or two to come see them, and that he would do so if he were Ariana. Ariana Grande, however, has stated that she is interested in FaceTiming or video chatting with victims if they are up for it. When she returns to Manchester, it is likely she will also be visiting those still in the hospital as well.
Grande’s older brother, 34-year-old Frankie Grande, who often performs on Broadway and is doing is own Livin’ La Vida tour in the UK, finally spoke out about the terrorist attack at his sister’s concert.
“My prayers, thoughts, meditations & strength has been focused on those families and victims affected by the horrific tragedy in Manchester,” he wrote.
He followed up his Tweet with two more.
“I echo my sisters sentiment & say we can’t allow hate to propagate hate & fear to propagate fear … but rather come together & spread a message of love, unity, & empowement (sic),” he tweeted.
The entertainer cancelled his London gig for his Livin’ La Vida tour after the attack in solidarity with his sister and in memory of the victims of the attack.
He has also posted a link to the British Red Cross and Manchester Evening News’ fundraiser for victims of families on all of his social media.
Ariana Grande returned home to Boca Raton, Florida the morning after the attack took place. She was met on the tarmac of her private jet by her boyfriend, rapper Mac Miller, who immediately gave her a big hug and a kiss. Miller was also due to perform in Washington and Minnesota, but cancelled his gig to be with his girlfriend.
Reports state that Ariana Grande has been in hysterics since the event and has blamed herself for what occurred. However, knowing she would take responsibility herself, several fans of many different musical genres came together to support Ariana. A hashtag entitled #ItsNotYourFaultAriana has gone viral on Twitter since the attack.
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the event and has spent time on Twitter rejoicing in the attack. They have stated that concert halls and theater venues would be a “great” place for a terrorist attack and unfortunately fulfilled their promise on Monday evening, targeting happy partygoers.
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