The two largest concert promoters in the United States have implemented heightened security measures in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris last week – but one American rock band tells Breitbart News that they refuse to be intimidated by terrorists.
Live Nation and AEG Worldwide, both of which hold exclusive contracts with thousands of concert venues nationwide, released statements Monday saying they will remain vigilant as fears over live performance security were renewed last week when at least three gunmen stormed the Bataclan theater in Paris during a concert by the American rock band Eagles of Death Metal and executed scores of innocent people.
“While our security practices have earned AEG a reputation as an industry leader in this area, we are continually evaluating and updating our policies and procedures as we remain vigilant in the face of ever-changing circumstances,” AEG Worldwide said in a statement to the Wrap.
In its own statement, Live Nation directly referenced the Paris attacks: “The safety and security of our shows, fans and venues continues to be our highest priority. Due to the recent events in Paris and in an abundance of caution we have implemented heightened security procedures globally. However, because of the sensitive nature of these protocols, we cannot elaborate further on the specific details.”
Heightened security fears haven’t stopped most artists from continuing their tours.
Some performers, including Eagles of Death Metal and the Deftones, who were also at the Bataclan theater on the night of the attacks, have uncderstandably cancelled their tours and returned home. Others, including Madonna, have pushed forward, arguing that to cancel their tours would amount to yet another victory for terrorists. Madonna is scheduled to perform in Paris on December 9 and 10.
A cursory glance of upcoming concerts in Paris shows that many American bands are going ahead with scheduled concerts, including Built to Spill (11/23), Clutch (11/27), Walk the Moon (11/28) and Crobot (12/1).
“We definitely have to be careful, but I think that because it happened at a show it kind of hits home a lot harder,” Crobot lead singer Brandon Yeagley tells Breitbart News.
“We certainly keep an exit strategy in the back of our heads and are being more aware of our surroundings,” Yeagley continued, before adding: “I’ll be damned if I let some terrorists threaten our happy place and let the media scare us out of not experiencing these things first hand.”
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