Bono Speaks Out On Paris Attacks, Calls Tragedy ‘The First Direct Hit On Music’

Bono is sharing his grief and outrage over the Paris terror attacks.

In an interview with Irish radio station RTE 2fm on Saturday, the U2 frontman called the hostage crisis and shootout at the Bataclan theater a “direct hit on music.”

“If you think about it, the majority of victims last night are music fans,” the singer said of the assault, which took place while Southern California-based group Eagles of Death Metal were performing.

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The incident was just one in a series of coordinated acts of violence carried out across the city, claiming more than 120 lives. According to the New York Times, 89 people were killed inside the concert venue alone. 

Bono said he’s especially affected by the Bataclan massacre as an artist, and expressed solidarity with his fellow musicians and music enthusiasts.

“This is the first direct hit on music that we’ve had in this so called war on terror or whatever it’s called,” he said. “It’s very upsetting. These are our people.”

The 55-year-old rocker went on to say that U2 supported the decision to postpone their two sold-out shows in the French capital on Saturday and Sunday, adding that the band has every intention of rescheduling.

“I think music is very important,” he said. “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.”

On Saturday, terrorist organization ISIS claimed responsibility for the devastation, which French President Francois Hollande cited as “an act of war.”

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U2 paid their respects to the victims on Saturday evening. The band was photographed placing flowers on the pavement outside the Bataclan during a candlelight memorial.

— Erin Biglow