Noel Gallagher Set To Headline Manchester Arena’s Reopening Benefit Show

By Samantha Lopez  |  August 16, 2017 | 12:24pm
Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty
Music News Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher Set To Headline Manchester Arena’s Reopening Benefit Show

Manchester Arena is set to reopen next month with a “We Are Manchester” charity show, according to BBC News. The arena was the site of a suicide bombing that occurred back in May at an Ariana Grande show, leaving 22 dead.

The “We Are Manchester” lineup consists of local Manchester bands—and artists from its surrounding areas—including Blossoms, Rick Astley, The Courteeners and poet Tony Walsh, with more acts to be announced and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds headlining.

Ariana Grande’s One Love Manchester benefit took place back in June, where she and Chris Martin teamed up to perform Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” which grew as an anthem at vigils after the bombing. Noel Gallagher was sharply criticized by his brother Liam for not performing or appearing at the event. Whether in response to his brother’s critique or no, it’s nice to see Noel making good for Manchester.

The proceeds from “We Are Manchester” will be going to the Manchester Memorial Fund to pay for a permanent memorial to the victims of the attack.

Councillor Sue Murphy, the deputy leader of Manchester city council, said this of the upcoming concert:

Those who perpetrate terrorist attacks want to divide us and stifle our freedoms. No one will ever forget the terrible events of 22 May but Manchester has reacted with love, solidarity and a determination to continue doing the things which make this such a vibrant city. We welcome the reopening of the arena, a major venue which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, as a powerful symbol of this defiant and resilient spirit.

“We Are Manchester” will take place on Sept. 9—revisit Ariana Grande and Chris Martin’s performance of “Don’t Look Back In Anger” below.

 
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