Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry to headline concert for Manchester victims

May 31, 2017 - 11:06 AM
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Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Katy Perry. (Photos by Reuters)

Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry will headline a star-studded concert in Manchester, England, on Sunday to benefit victims of the suicide bombing at Grande’s May 22 concert there, organizers announced on Tuesday.

American artists Miley Cyrus, Pharrell Williams and Usher will also perform at the June 4 concert, along with Britain’s Coldplay, One Direction singer Niall Horan and the Manchester-based band Take That.

The benefit will take place at the Old Trafford cricket ground. Proceeds will benefit victims of last week’s suicide bombing at Grande’s show at another venue in the northern English city, the Manchester Arena.

Islamic State claimed credit for the bombing, which killed 22 people and took place moments after Grande finished playing.

All proceeds from Sunday’s “One Love Manchester” concert will go to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund which was set up by the Manchester City Council in partnership with the British Red Cross.

The fund has already raised more than 5 million pounds ($6.4 million), organizers say.

Grande, 23, is offering free tickets to the charity concert to all of those who were at her Manchester show on May 22.

The suicide bombing injured more than 100, many of them members of Grande’s large, young female fan base. Grande was unharmed but she later canceled several concerts scheduled in London and Europe through June 5.

Sunday’s show will be broadcast live by BBC television and radio, Tuesday’s statement said.

Grande said in an open letter on her social media accounts last week that “There is nothing I or anyone can do to take away the pain you (her fans) are feeling or to make this better. However, I extend my hand and heart and everything I possibly can give to you and yours, should you want or need my help in any way.”

“We will not quit or operate in fear. We won’t let this divide us. We won’t let hate win,” she added.

Tickets for Sunday’s concert will go on sale on Thursday.