Singer Jason Aldean has been left
"heartbroken" after a gunman opened fire during his set at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas on Sunday night (Oct 1, 2017).
A shooter based on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and
Casino began firing at people enjoying the country music star's performance
at the outdoor festival, leaving more than 20 dead and over 100 injured. The
shooter has since been killed by police officers.
The singer, who was
escorted safely off the stage mid-set, has now taken to Instagram to share how
upset he is by the night's events.
"Tonight has been beyond horrific,"
he wrote. "I still dont know what to
say but wanted to let everyone know that Me and my Crew are safe. My Thoughts
and prayers go out to everyone involved tonight. It hurts my heart that this
would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a
fun night. #heartbroken #stopthehate."
Singer Jason Aldean rushes off stage during Las Vegas
shooting
Shooting At Route 91 Harvest Concert In Las Vegas; 58
Reported Dead, 500+ Injured
Fifty-eight now
confirmed dead, and over 500 were injured.
SWAT units found the
shooter on the 32nd floor at the MANDALAY BAY HOTEL, identified as 64 year old
NEVADA resident Steven Paddock; reports have Paddock having killed himself.
The New York Times reported, "The shooting happened near the Mandalay
Bay Resort And Casino. Video posted online showed the Country singer Jason Aldean performing outside the
hotel at ROUTE 91 HARVEST, a Country
music festival, interrupted by the sound of automatic gunfire. The music
stopped, and concertgoers ducked for cover. 'Get down,' one shouted. 'Stay
down,' screamed another." The Las Vegas Police report SWAT teams were sent
to the hotel immediately after the first reports of the shooting at 10:08p
(PT).
Jake Owen, who played before Jason, wrote a series of tweets after hearing the shots, sending his love to his fans and his daughter Pearl.Jason Aldean Releases a Statement After Mass Shooting: “Tonight Has Been Beyond Horrific”https://t.co/JpNw9pnJop— Nash Country Daily (@NashCntryDaily) 2 October 2017
"Praying for everyone here in Vegas. I
witnessed the most unimaginable event tonight. We are okay. Others arent.
Please pray," he added. "Gun shots were ringing off of the stage
rigging and road cases. No one knew where to go..thank you LVPD and responders
for keeping us safe."
Singer Chris Young was also in the audience
and he tweeted, "Spent I don't know how long on the floor of a trailer
behind the stage... know multiple people are dead. Listening to that
gunfire...I'm literally shaking still."
Other acts on the bill such as Big & Rich, Kane Brown and Luke Combs took to social media to assure fans they were safe.
Other acts on the bill such as Big & Rich, Kane Brown and Luke Combs took to social media to assure fans they were safe.
Meanwhile, several
country music stars took to Twitter to share their condolences, such as Martina
McBride, who wrote, "Watching this
horrific news from Las Vegas and Route 91 Festival. We played this festival
last year. Praying for everyone's safety," and Brad Paisley, who
added, "Praying for everyone at #HarvestFestival. There are no words right
now that suffice."
» UPDATED Vegas Safe List: An update to Monday morning's list of
country professionals in attendance Sunday at the Route 91 Harvest Festival:
CONFIRMED SAFE
Dee Jay Silver,
family/crew, CAA staff, WME's Risha Rodgers, GreenRoom PR staff, Dylan
Schneider band/crew
Jason Aldean band and
crew, Live Nation's Brian O'Connell, BMG/Broken Bow staff
Jake Owen band and crew,
ne Brown band and crew, Luke Combs band and crew, Sony staff, Curb staff
Dylan Scott band and
crew, BMLG staff, Adam Craig and crew, Josh Abbott Band and crew, Big &
Rich band and crew
hotos From Route 91
Festival Shooting Capture Humanity Amidst the Chaos
ALL ACCESS spoke with SiriusXM
"The Highway" afternoon personality Buzz Brainard, who was on-site and in the backstage area when the
shooting broke out. Brainard had done the on-stage introduction for Jake Owen,
who immediately preceded Aldean. Brainard estimated ALDEAN was roughly 20 minutes into his set at the
time of the incident. Like so many eyewitnesses have recounted, Brainard originally
thought the gunshots were fireworks, or on-stage pyrotechnics that were set off
early. "When the first rounds were
fired, everyone thought, 'Well this is interesting, a fireworks show,'"
he recalled. "After the second rounds began, people started worrying, then
quickly panicking."
Brainard -- who was with his 19-year-old son, HANK -- dove for cover and laid on top of HANK under a nearby bus. "We saw and heard bullets flying that were kicking up dust just beyond where we'd sought shelter," said Brainard. Everyone in the area was told to run away from the area, and the quickest way was across the stage, behind the gear. By this time, Aldean and his band had fled to safety. Brainard and his son soon found themselves in a bottleneck of concert-goers, trying to escape through a narrow exit; some were trampled, according to Brainard. He and thousands of others were directed to the nearby Tropicana Hotel, where they stayed for hours. Brainard, his son, and his fellow SIRIUSXM staffers were confirmed safe, but scattered in various hotels off the Las Vegas strip. In the aftermath of the shooting, Brianard shared this personal anecdote: "HANK, who is 19, held my hand tightly for at least 45 minutes after we knew we were safe."
BRAINARD was originally
staying at the Mandalay Bay, but the entire hotel was on lock down, so he and
all other guests are unable to access their rooms. Additionally, the event site
was blocked off completely, so there is equipment and personal items he and his
staff cannot reclaim just yet. BRANIARD also shared this observation: His room
at MANDALAY BAY was on the 23rd floor, facing the venue - nine floors beneath
where the shooter took aim. BRAINARD's room had the same line of site as the
gunman, "a clear view of the concert venue," and said it was "shooting fish in a barrel" from
that vantage point.
TRIBUTES
Country Artists React On Mass.
Country Aircheck Special Edition (10/2):
Staggering Tragedy In Vegas Artists Speak Out + Updated Safe List
KEITH URBAN:
"Stilled and speechless ... Our hearts and prayers are with everyone
involved and affected."
THE CADILLAC THREE: "Disbelief at the senseless violence last night in
LAS VEGAS [at ROUTE 91 HARVEST FESTIVAL]."
CARRIE UNDERWOOD: "Woke up to such horrible news. We are praying for
the victims and their families. May the LORD bring some comfort to them."
MAREN MORRIS:
"Played ROUTE 91 in VEGAS the night before last. We were all singing. I'm
in shock over this. Heartbroken for all those lives taken too soon."
DREW BALDRIDGE:
"My heart goes out to everyone involved in this shooting. We played FRIDAY
night, and to hear about the shooting today tears me up. Prayers."
KELSEA BALLERINI: "Just sad. And, so sorry for the fans who came to
sing and dance and be free and happy. Thinking of everyone there and my friend,
[JASON ALDEAN]."
DANIELLE BRADBERY: "Praying. Praying hard. I cannot imagine the fear
of those who were in VEGAS or had loved ones in VEGAS last night. To the
artists, the crews, and the fans -- y'all are family. I want to wrap my arms
around each and every one of you. Sending every ounce of love I have to those
affected by this senseless tragedy."
BRETT YOUNG:
"Pray for VEGAS. My heart and prayers go out to everyone that has been
affected by the tragic events that occurred in VEGAS."
CANAAN SMITH:
"Can't believe this really happened... GOD have mercy! So horrific."
RAELYNN: "50 dead and 200
injured. Words can't even describe the sadness I feel right now. Innocent
people's [lives] taken. Mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons. So many people
lost someone they loved today. A lot of my friends were there working and
performing. I just don't understand the hate in the world right now. You should
be able to go to a concert and enjoy yourself without worrying about your life.
I pray that JESUS would be with all the [families] that lost a loved one or
someone injured. I'm also praying for all the crew, musicians, and artists. I
can't imagine how scared you were. This is tragic. Praying for this all to stop
and peace in the world."
CHRIS JANSON:
"Heartbreaking news this morning. We are praying for everyone. JESUS, be
with these people. Unbelievable. This world makes me sad."
OLD DOMINION:
"Devastating news about VEGAS. We were not there, but these were our
friends [and] fans under attack. Spread love, love, love -- it is much
needed."
BRAD PAISLEY:
"Paying for everyone at [ROUTE 91 HARVEST FESTIVAL]. There are no words
right now that suffice."
CASSADEE POPE:
"Another night meant for unity [and] music destroyed by pure evil. [My
heart] is [with] those affected, including my friends who played the
festival."
CRAIG MORGAN:
"My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the tragedy in VEGAS."
TYLER FARR:
"Didn't expect to wake up to see this this morning. Prayers out to
everyone affected by this tragic event in LAS VEGAS."
SHANIA TWAIN:
"Heartbroken over the news of VEGAS. My thoughts with all the innocent
victims and their families."
LUKE BRYAN:
"Words can't begin explain my sadness. My family and I are praying for the
victims of this tragedy. Truly heartbroken."
JOHN RICH:
"We are [okay], but our fans and friends are not. This is the worst of
humanity at work. Praying for the victims in VEGAS tonight."
MIRANDA LAMBERT:
"My heart. [ROUTE 91 HARVEST]."
KACEY MUSGRAVES:
"Just hearing about VEGAS. Noooooooo. Heartbroken for VEGAS [and] the
Country community. Numbingly terrifying. Wtf."
REBA MCENTIRE:
"My heart goes out to all of our friends, [JASON ALDEAN], our music
family, and fans in LAS VEGAS. I'm praying for your healing. I pray GOD puts
his arms around you. This is so sad and devastating. I can't understand it.
#PrayForVegas. #PrayForPeace."
MARTINA MCBRIDE:
"Watching this horrific news from LAS VEGAS and ROUTE 91 [HARVEST]
FESTIVAL. We played this festival last year. Praying for everyone's
safety."
LAUREN ALAINA:
"Praying for everyone at ROUTE 91. That crowd was one of the best I've
played for all year. This news is devastating. My camp is home [and]
safe."
DAN + SHAY:
"Feeling absolutely helpless watching the VEGAS situation unfold via
social media. Fans, friends, artists, crews, everybody -- please be safe. This
is so scary."
DAVID NAIL:
"Beyond difficult to control my emotions this morning. This is just so
tragic, and so close to home, and will forever change so many!"
CHASE BRYANT:
"There are some sick people in today's world. Praying for my friends in
VEGAS!"
HIGH VALLEY:
"Can't believe the news. In shock. Too close to home. #PrayForVegas."
CHRIS LANE:
"Prayers going out to everyone in VEGAS!!"
LEANN RIMES:
"Praying for the souls lost. Praying for their loved ones. Praying for
even just a moment of peace for everyone's hearts today."
SCOTTY MCCREERY:
"Wow. Y'all join me in praying for VEGAS [right now]."
CARLY PEARCE:
"Woke up [and] am shocked to hear of the devastation in VEGAS last night.
Praying for all of the victims. What a tragedy. #PrayForVegas."
DEVIN DAWSON:
"In shock hearing about VEGAS [and] ROUTE 91. Many friends okay -- still
worried about others. Please send any updates."
BLAKE SHELTON:
"My deepest sympathies and prayers to anyone [who] has been affected by
the VEGAS shooting last night. I don't even know anymore... Why?"
BRIAN KELLY:
"Speechless and sick to my stomach and heartbroken over VEGAS. Praying,
praying, praying for all the victims and their families. GOD bless."
LITTLE BIG TOWN: "One year ago, we played ROUTE 91 on SUNDAY night.
Our prayers are with all the first responders, artists, crew, and mostly, the
Country fans."
RUNAWAY JUNE:
"Completely heartbroken about what happened in VEGAS. Cannot comprehend an
evil like that. Sending out all of our love and prayers."
DUSTIN LYNCH:
"Praying for all those at [ROUTE 91 HARVEST FESTIVAL]."
Phil Mack Keep
It Country TV - feels for all those
caught up and affected by the tradgedy in Las Vegas , our prayers and thoughts
are with the U
Waking up to truly horrific news about Las Vegas. Our hearts go out to the innocent people caught up in it, their families and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/bcyA68EYog— The Shires (@theshiresuk) 2 October 2017
Shocked and saddened by the news coming out of Las Vegas. My heart is heavy. Love and sympathy to everyone affected— Bob Harris (@WhisperingBob) 2 October 2017
Sending all our love and prayers to those caught in the shooting at the Route91 Festival...our thoughts are with you and all your loved ones— Maverick Magazine (@Maverick_mag) 2 October 2017
Nashville Hold Vigil For Las Vegas Shooting
Victims
Nashville held a vigil (Oct 2) for the victims of the shooting. The vigil took
place at Nashville's Ascend Amphitheater
beginning at 6p (CT).
Charles
Esten, Keith Urban & More Unite at Nashville Vigil Honoring Las Vegas
Shooting Victims
Nashville held a
vigil (Oct 2) for the victims of the shooting. The vigil was slated to take
place at Nashville's Ascend Amphitheater beginning at 6p (CT).
The Nashville vigil for Las Vegas is starting soon featuring @AlisonKrauss, @AmyGrant, @CharlesEsten, @KeithUrban and @VGcom. pic.twitter.com/Hikxngr4gq— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) 2 October 2017
Together, the country music family is a light that lifts ... A moving tribute from @VGcom for those affected by the Las Vegas tragedy. pic.twitter.com/U7FGMmAlVo— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) 3 October 2017
Nashville vigil for Las Vegas shooting victims #PrayForVegas
Music is a powerful
way of starting the healing process
The candlelight vigil included performances by Vince Gill
("Go Rest High On That Mountain"), Alison Krauss with Barry
Bales, Ron Block, and Sidney and Suzanne Cox ("Amazing
Grace"), and Keith Urban ("Bridge Over Troubled Water").
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Country Music Association (CMA) CEO Sarah Trahern, and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp Pres./CEO Butch Spyridon released the following joint statement: "Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the tragic events in LAS VEGAS, especially the victims, their families and friends, and the fans, artists, and crews from our Country community in VEGAS. This festival brought together people from all backgrounds united in enjoying life through music. Safety at all of our events is and will remain our top priority. We are constantly adjusting our event security measures year-round, partnering and consulting with experts at the federal, state, and local levels through our full-time security team and the METRO POLICE DEPARTMENT. We will continue our efforts to provide the most comprehensive security possible."
Country singer Maren Morris has released a hard-hitting collaboration with Vince Gill following the deadliest mass shooting in American history.Rosanne Cash blasts the NRA in New York Times op-ed: "NRA funds domestic terrorism" https://t.co/5PEGEpxb9a pic.twitter.com/OsGCNT4mCg— RS Country (@RScountry) 3 October 2017
The massacre has
prompted Maren to put out a new tune, called Dear Hate, that she
admits she has been sitting on for a while.
Noting the timely nature
of the track, she writes: "I never knew when would be the right time (to
release it), but I realized today that there’s never a right time. Hate is
everywhere and I’m sick of not doing enough.”
“In the darkest tunnel,
there is still love & music,” she added.
100% of proceeds to be
donated to LAS VEGAS nonprofits for immediate and long-term needs of victims in
the shooting.
Published on Oct 2, 2017
(528K views in 24 hours) "Dear Hate" (UK iTunes; Written by: Maren Morris, Tom Douglas, David Hodges)
Help victims of the Las Vegas Concert Shooting by donating to Music City Cares:
http://t.cfmt.org/MusicCityCares
Dear Hate chronicles the history of violence and tragedies in America, including the Civil War and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Morris performed at the Route 91 Harvest Festival on Friday (29
Sept 2017), two days before gunman Stephen Paddock opened fire on fans watching
Sunday night headliner Jason Aldean.
"We played Route 91
in Vegas the night before last," she wrote on Instagram. "It was one
of my favorite shows and festivals to be on. We were all singing. I'm in shock
over this unfair, senseless tragedy and heartbroken for the lives taken too
soon."
Final CMA Balloting, 'Country Rising' On-Sale Dates
Postponed Due To Las Vegas Tragedy
In light of the tragic
event last night at ROUTE 91 HARVEST FESTIVAL in LAS VEGAS, the Country Music Association (CMA) has
elected to postpone its final ballot distribution. The third and final round of
voting for "THE 51ST ANNUAL CMA AWARDS" was scheduled to Monday (Oct
2) but has now opened Tues (Oct 3).
Additionally, Bridgestone Arena released a statement
via FACEBOOK regarding its upcoming "Country Rising: Nashville Gives For
Hurricane Relief" event, which was scheduled to go on sale Friday (Oct 6).
"In light of the horrific tragedy in LAS VEGAS, and out of respect for its
victims, we have postponed the on-sale for 'COUNTRY RISING'. Our thoughts and
prayers go out to everyone affected."
STATEMENT FROM JASON ALDEAN UPDATING FANS ON
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
This weekend’s dates for the Jason Aldean THEY DON’T KNOW TOUR have been
cancelled in Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA and Anaheim, CA. The tour
will resume on Oct. 12 in Tulsa, OK. Refunds are available at point of
purchase.
Nashville,
TN - Oct. 03, 2017 - As a result of what happened in Las Vegas this week,
we have decided to cancel this coming weekend's shows. I feel like out of
respect for the victims, their families and our fans, it is the right thing to
do. It has been an emotional time for everyone involved this week, so we plan
to take some time to mourn the ones we have lost and be close with our family
and friends. Our plan is to resume the tour the following week in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Our first time back onstage will be a very tough and
emotional thing for us, but we will all get through it together and honor the
people we lost by doing the only thing we know how to do - play our songs for
them. I hope everyone understands why we can't play this weekend and I'm sorry
if anyone is disappointed.
I want to
say thank you for the outpouring of love from my friends and fans we have
received over the last couple days. You guys have no idea how much you have
helped get us through this tough time.
Thank You
and God Bless.
JA
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.