U2 pay poignant tribute to victims of Manchester Arena bombing on first night of UK tour

U2 paid a poignant tribute to the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing as they opened their UK tour in the city.

The Irish band kicked off their tour at the Arena on 19 October, and remembered the 22 people who were killed at an Ariana Grande concert last May while closing their set.

Bono dedicated the bands final song 13 (There is a Light) to those who lost their lives, telling the audience: This is a prayer for the safety of your children.

A giant lightbulb was sent into the air during the sombre tribute.

On 22 May 2017, Salman Abedi detonated a bomb in the foyer of the arena following a concert from Ariana Grande.

Twenty-two people lost their lives – Saffie Rose Roussos, 8, Nell Jones, 14, Sorrell Leczkowski, 14, Eilidh MacLeod, 14, Olivia Campbell, 15, Megan Hurley, 15, Chloe Rutherford, 17, Georgina Callander, 18, Liam Curry, 19, Courtney Boyle, 19, John Atkinson, 28, Martyn Hett, 29, Kelly Brewster, 32, Philip Tron, 32, Angelika Klis, 39, Marcin Klis, 42, Elaine McIver, 43, Lisa Lees, 43, Alison Howe, 45, Michelle Kiss, 45, Wendy Fawell, 50, and Jane Tweddle, 51.

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Ahead of the moving tribute to the victims, U2 brought out their hits for the Experience + Innocence Tour, performing songs including Pride (In The Name Of Love), One, Elevation, New Years Day and Vertigo.

And amidst the music, the band used their time in the UK to address their anti-Brexit stance – telling the crowd that Europe doesnt want them to leave.

More: Manchester terror attack

Bono said: Weve been touring all across Europe and the resounding message is nobody wants you to leave.

I dont wanna break your heart or your balls but the band has been touring Europe. And whatever you think of it, people love you…People love this United Kingdom. For us its more than a gold star falling off the flag. Without it the rest of us are just less.

U2s tour will conclude with two nights in Londons O2 Arena, two Belfast dates, four nights in Dublin and a final concert in Berlin on 13 November.

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