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Tuesday, 3 October 2017

Jason Aldean 'heartbroken' over Las Vegas festival shooting, country artists react


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.
"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.
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
Read More: Photos from Route 91 Shooting Show Chaos, Humanity  

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
PDF File | Magazine View

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



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). 


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.
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
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