U2 and Ed Sheeran canceled two respective concerts in St. Louis on Saturday night out of concern for fan safety.
U2 and Ed Sheeran canceled two respective concerts slated for Saturday and Sunday in St. Louis out of concern for fan safety amid sporadic protests over a police officer’s acquittal.
The Irish rock band published a statement Saturday morning saying venue security and officers with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department would be unable to provide the normal security expected for the show.
“We cannot in good conscience risk our fans’ safety by proceeding with tonight’s concert,” the statement read. “As much as we regret having to cancel, we feel it is the only acceptable course of action in the current environment.”
The famous rockers were scheduled to perform at The Dome.
SEE IT: Two cops hospitalized as St. Louis protesters hurl bricks
Fans will be refunded in full for their purchases, according to Live Nation.
U2 front man Bono said later on Saturday that he was “deeply saddened” by the St. Louis protests.
“I found myself reading Dr. King’s speech from the National Cathedral and asking myself is this 1968 or 2017,” wrote Bono, sharing a photo he drew of the iconic Gateway Arch along the Missouri River.
Ed Sheeran joined U. S. in canceling his St. Louis show, which had been sold out since March. James Blunt was expected to open for the British singer-songwriter on Sunday night.
St. Louis readies for more protests after rallies injure 10 cops
A spokesperson for the Messina Touring Group said the Scottrade Center gig was nixed after consulting with authorities in St. Louis. Police also said the agency would be unable to provide adequate security.
“We felt it was in everyone’s best interest to cancel Sunday night’s show,” the statement read, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Protesters took to the streets Friday morning after a judge found former police officer Jason Stockley not guilty of first-degree murder in the 2011 death of 24-year-old Anthony Lamar Smith.
Nine officers were injured during the day of unrest and at least 23 arrests were made .
With NICOLE HENSLEY
