One Love Manchester

One Love Manchester. It was a benefit concert organized in response to the Manchester Arena bombing, which occurred following a performance by Ariana Grande on May 22, 2017. The event was held at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground on June 4, 2017, to raise funds for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund and to honor the victims and survivors of the attack. Featuring a diverse lineup of major musical artists, the concert was broadcast globally and became a powerful symbol of resilience and unity in the face of terrorism.

Background and context

The concert was a direct response to the tragic Manchester Arena bombing, a suicide attack that targeted attendees, predominantly young fans, at the conclusion of an Ariana Grande concert as part of her Dangerous Woman Tour. The attack, claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, resulted in 22 fatalities and hundreds of injuries, causing profound shock across the United Kingdom and internationally. In the immediate aftermath, Grande suspended her tour and returned to her home in the United States, while the city of Manchester and the wider nation entered a period of mourning. The We Love Manchester Emergency Fund was swiftly established by the Manchester City Council and the British Red Cross to provide support to the affected families. Grande, alongside her manager Scooter Braun, announced plans for the benefit event within days, aiming to return to the city in a show of solidarity and defiance against the violence.

Organization and planning

The organization of the event was a rapid and large-scale undertaking led by Ariana Grande, Scooter Braun, and their team, in close coordination with authorities including Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council. The Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home to Lancashire County Cricket Club, was selected as the venue for its capacity and symbolic location within the region. Security was an paramount concern, with a significant deployment of police and private security to ensure the safety of the anticipated crowd of 50,000 attendees, many of whom were survivors of the original attack. Tickets were made available first to those who had been at the Manchester Arena show, with remaining tickets sold to the general public, all proceeds directed to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund. Major broadcasters, including the BBC and major international networks, arranged for live television and radio coverage to amplify the event's reach and fundraising potential.

Performances and participants

The concert featured a wide-ranging lineup of artists spanning pop, rock, and contemporary music, united in support of the cause. Ariana Grande served as the host and central performer, delivering emotional renditions of songs like "One Last Time" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". She was joined by an array of notable acts including Coldplay, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Pharrell Williams, Take That, Robbie Williams, and Niall Horan of One Direction. Liam Gallagher, formerly of Oasis, performed the band's iconic anthem "Live Forever". The show also included poignant appearances from members of the local community and poignant tributes to the victims, with a moment of silence observed. The finale saw all artists join Grande on stage for a collective performance of her song "One Love", reinforcing the event's message of unity.

Impact and reception

The impact of the concert was immediate and profound, both in terms of fundraising and cultural resonance. It raised over £17 million for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, providing crucial financial assistance to the victims' families and survivors. In the United Kingdom, the BBC broadcast attracted an audience of approximately 14.5 million viewers, with millions more watching globally via platforms like YouTube and international networks. Media coverage from outlets like The Guardian, CNN, and BBC News praised the event's emotional power and its defiant, healing message. Political figures, including then-Prime Minister Theresa May and the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, commended the courage of the performers and the resilience of the city. The concert was widely seen as a historic and unifying moment in British popular culture, effectively reclaiming a space of joy and community in the wake of tragedy.

Legacy and aftermath

The legacy of the event endures as a significant moment in 21st-century popular culture and philanthropy. The substantial funds raised continued to support those affected through the ongoing work of the British Red Cross and local charities. Ariana Grande was widely lauded for her leadership and empathy, with her efforts recognized by honors including an honorary citizenship of Manchester and being named the "Woman of the Year" by publications like Billboard. The concert influenced how the music industry responds to crises, setting a precedent for artist-led humanitarian initiatives. It also solidified a narrative of Manchester's resilience, often referenced in the same breath as the city's musical heritage from bands like The Smiths and the Madchester scene. The phrase "One Love" became indelibly associated with this act of collective strength and compassion in the face of adversity.

Category:2017 concerts Category:Benefit concerts Category:History of Manchester Category:2010s in music