Death Toll Reaches 22 After Grande Concert
As reported by Variety, Lucian Grainge, CEO of Universal Music Group, parent company of Grande’s label Republic Records, sent a letter to the staff that read, in part, “Today, our emotions are raw. We are deeply saddened by the awful events last night in Manchester. We extend our thoughts and prayers to all of those affected. And we grieve for all of those lost there, offering our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. We can report that no UMG employees were injured in the attack, and that Ariana Grande and her crew are safe. That said, the fact that such an unspeakable act can be committed at a place where innocent people — including so many young people — come together peacefully to enjoy music reflects a level of evil beyond comprehension.
Grainge continued, “This hits home for us as a music company — because so many of us, myself included, spend so much time out seeing our artists perform, let alone attending concerts as fans. That’s why we’ve chosen music as our career — or rather music has chosen us.” [Artwork by Mark E. Tisdale]