The Perils of Concerts: A History of Attacks on Music Events

Recent cancellations of Taylor Swift's Vienna concerts due to a planned attack underline the security risks at music events. Various attacks on concerts and festivals, including notable incidents in Moscow, Israel, Las Vegas, Manchester, and Paris, have resulted in significant casualties and heightened awareness of potential threats.

The cancellation of concerts by U.S. pop star Taylor Swift in Vienna due to a planned attack highlights the ongoing security risks to stadium shows and music festivals.

One of the deadliest incidents, the 2024 Moscow attack, saw over 140 people killed when gunmen targeted the Crocus City Hall outside Moscow. Islamic State claimed responsibility for this attack, which occurred just before Soviet-era rock group Picnic was to perform.

Other notable attacks include the 2023 assault by Hamas-led militants at the Nature Party festival near Kibbutz Re'im in Israel, killing 260 people and leading to a war in Gaza. Similarly, the 2017 Las Vegas shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival resulted in 60 deaths, the deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history. The attackers in neither the Las Vegas incident nor the 2017 Manchester bombing, which killed 22 at an Ariana Grande concert, had clear motives. The 2015 Paris Bataclan attack by Islamist gunmen killed 90 among those attending an Eagles of Death Metal show.

(With inputs from agencies.)