Irish band U2 were forced to cancel a concert in Stockholm Sunday due to a security threat after a man reportedly entered the venue with a gun.
U2 were appearing at The Globen in Stockholm as part of their Experience Tour but had to cancel the concert after a man was found to be holding a gun, causing the venue to be evacuated.
Check out U2 Show Canceled After ‘Security Threat’ http://t.co/6NOzHFr8x6 @UltClassicRock
— Rasma Raisters (@RosyGypsy) September 21, 2015
Saying that the audience’s security was a priority, the band canceled the gig due to the security threat and explained the reasoning on their official website .
“As the breach has not been resolved quickly and as audience safety is paramount, the police have advised The Globen and Live Nation that they have no option but to postpone tonight’s show, to a rescheduled date of Tuesday, 22nd September.”
“The organizers apologize for the inconvenience caused and thank the audience for their understanding. Their safety is the priority.”
Reportedly all tickets bought for the canceled Sunday night show will be valid for Tuesday’s performance.
U2 Concert in Stockholm Evacuated and Rescheduled Due to ‘Security Breach’ http://t.co/eWXSBQXzXB #infosec — Sociative InfoSec (@SoInfoSec) September 21, 2015
The Irish Times quotes the Swedish media as saying Stockholm police were searching the concert venue for a “specific individual.” Apparently the man with a gun was spotted by security guards at the entrance to The Globen.
Due to the security threat posed by the possible gunman, it was then decided to cancel the event due to the possible weapons violation.
http://t.co/rFjYgPpIs2 High drama at the @U2 gig in Stockholm last night. Main thing is no one was hurt
— Stuart Clark (@stuartclark66) September 21, 2015
Apparently, U2 fans had already taken their seats at the venue ready for the concert to begin at 8:15pm local time, but were then asked to leave the building due to the security threat. While some media reported that police had caught the suspect, this turned out to be untrue.
Reports of arrest after U2 concert security threat http://t.co/0YTKKgm1Bb — Mark Baker (@U2BROTHR) September 20, 2015
It sounds like this was a bad start to the band’s tour as, according to U2’s website, the Experience Tour started on Wednesday last week and Stockholm was the first venue in the list, with a couple of shows performed before the canceled performance. Reportedly the tour ends in Dublin in late November.
The video below (in Swedish and English) shows the moment when concert-goers were told of the security threat and cancellation of the concert.
[Photo by Florian Seefried / Getty Images Entertainment]
