One Love Manchester concert

I really enjoyed it although I am not keen on Ariana Grande- too 'poppy' for me.Not keen on female singers anyway. A real treat to see Black Eyed Peas & Robbie though. Coldplay very good & a nice touch that one Gallagher boy turned up even if he sang a new song- doubt he can remember the lyrics to his old ones these days.
I don't think it was too soon. Something needed to happen to allow people to get together en mass & show their love & defiance.
I just hope that everyone who watched it for free at home sends £5 to Red Cross- not bad for a whole evening's entertainment.

Am very surprised by the 'too soon' comments. That all the acts dropped everything to turn up at a moment's notice sent a very positive message to Manchester, and to the young kids who were hurt. It also gave them a focal point for walking or getting out of hospital or whatever. Manchester has been here before courtesy of IRA and has tapped into its past experiences, bonding unlikely groups of people together to face the foe. It truly is a special city, with a unique vibe. Bless them all.

Totally agree with LuckyGirl's post.
It was a spur of the moment idea which was applauded by the affected families, the people of Manchester and all the authorities involved.
They wanted to send out a message of defiance, hope and love. I think they went a long way towards doing that.
A lot of people worked extremely hard to see the event through and they should be commended for that.
We enjoyed and appreciated the whole event, despite not previously appreciating some of the music. Better for some of the youngsters to replace their memories of a horrendous night with a positive, hopeful experience?

What happens now for the victims of the London attack?

The concert was as amazing as it was moving. We hadn't intended to watch it but once it started we couldn't stop.

This concert represents what these fanatics hate about diverse and integrated societies. Their hate was overcome with love, their desire to cause division overcome with the desire for unity.

For me, the message the concert conveyed was more powerful than theirs.

My friend and her 12 yr old daughter had been at the original concert and both got out ok but very distressed. All the following week they both were very upset and any sudden noise frightened them. My friend made the decision to go to old Trafford last night to encourage her daughter to move forward and not let this evil define her young years and affect her life. Also to show respect for those young people who died and will never attend a concert again. I believe it was timed right as the young people who survived need to see that evil will never win over good hearted humanity and compassion.and hopefully it will allay their fear of crowded places. All the families of bereaved were in agreement and Ariana herself was affected badly but worked through her fear to perform and that's a great role model for our young people to show them life is precious and for living to the fullest

I disagree with the 'too sooners' as well. These were children seeing things NO one should ever see. Or knowing that these things happened on their doorstep, in their city, in their country, NOW. The young are very susceptible to PTSD.

This was for the young people-- they need different kinds of reassurances that their world is not a bad place than what some of us older, more cynical or world-weary people need or expect (yes I am one of those). Expressing joy through sorrow, singing, hearing music, being entertained by the people they enjoy was and is important.

Yes I did what a lovely sight. She is such a sweet girl and my gd likes her.

I didn't see it as exploitation at all. It was just what those kids and the ones who saw it on television needed. Terrorists strike terror and that concert showed that we don't need to cower at home too scared to get on a train or go to a football match or walk along a busy street. I was on Westminster bridge a week after that attack and was proud to see the bridge thronged as usual with tourists and workers getting on with their lives. The longer we take to get back to normal after an atrocity the harder it gets.

I knew of her before the Manchester bombing and to be honest she has a reputation in the States for being a bit of a diva, the "don't you know who I am" syndrome. I never cared for her before the bombing because of that. The concert was ok, too many large ego's in one place not including Take That. The cause was very worthy though.

It never even crossed my mind that it was too early. I can't see many victims' families agreeing TBH. Wasn't one of the first people in the studio related to a victim?

I think the concert was beneficial on many levels and I admire everyone involved. All those who attended the original concert have to face their demons and, generally, sooner rather than later is better. I feel that the concert gave an opportunity to do this.

In answer to Anniebach's rather stark question "have all the dead been buried yet" - no, only Eilidh McLeod. Unfortunately most of the other families have to wait - possibly until the end of the month.

My friend's child was killed in the bombing and they welcome support from any avenue. It's a surreal time for all the victims and, I'm told, they all appreciate recognition and gestures of support, be they monetary or a phone call, a hug or hand on the shoulder.

I had never heard of Ariane Grande before ...but decided to watch the concert and was very impressed by the thought a lot of the participants had given to what happened. However sad and difficult the reason for the concert was, those involved had been consulted and agreed that the concert would be a good healing tool for those that were injured or survivors ..as well as remembering those that sadly lost their lives. Life must go on but it will never be the same for a lot of victims and they need to know they have the care and support they may need from the generous donations made to help them.

No one ever knows how you would feel if something similar happened to you and yours and any amount of posturing can be made about how the concert was too soon, etc etc etc .....but hopefully you will never have to experience this on a personal level.

So well done Ariane and supporting acts, oh and especially the dancing policeman !

I object to being accused of posturing, and as someone who witnessed 114 children taken to a temporary mortuary after being dug out by parents and friends I assure you I know how the memory never faded, money helps with recovery from injuries but not with the mental wounds . My own personal opinion is the concert was too soon, I don't expect agreement but being accused of posturing is a bloody insult .

Tried watching but got too upset it was good to see young smiling faces my heart goes out to all involved .

To quote Mr Williams
# Manchester we're Strong , we're still singing our Song #
Love and music will rise above hate.
A message from the people.
Better than any politician could have given.

I hadn't planned to watch the concert but my DGC were staying and obviously wanted to see it. I was very impressed and moved by the performers esp Ariane Grande. Seeing it through my DGD's eyes brought it home to me how much it must have meant to young children of her age and experience, many who would have been at the original concert.Only they and their families will know if it was too soon but I do feel that it was well meant.

I loved the concert, especially the way most if the biggest stars 'dressed down' for it as it wasn't about how they looked, until Little mix came on! Pretty girls, good singing but flashing the flesh was inapropriate. As for Liam Gallagher, Manchester's most miserable git, l think it's all been said! Ariana Grande, who l didn't know a lot about before, was perfectly lovely.

At first, I was dubious about how appropriate a concert held so soon and before victims' funerals but once it was clear that it had been arranged with the consent of families affected, I changed my mind. I watched some of it and was moved by the engagement and pleasure in the children( and adults') faces and by the generosity of the performers. Ariana Grande, whom I had never heard of before, was wonderful, respectful and mature. It is obvious why the youngsters adore her.
Yes, it was soon, but it succeeded in giving the children ( and families of vistims) something positive so that they could move forward and live their lives in a more loving world than that of the terrorists. And a huge amount of money towards the victims' support fund was raised.

Well done, Ariana!

Northernlass for you and your friend.

Please can someone explain why Grande is pronounced Granday?

Presuming it's Latin in origin, how else would it be pronounced?

She is of Italian ancestry. Grande (pronounced granday) is an Italian name meaning big.

Thanks you Lewlew. I really appreciate your gesture and it's heartening that someone's picked up on the message. It's a terrible time for everyone.

I'm away but another Manchester lass. Manchester has great traditions of music and getting on with whatever it is that's chucked at us. I've seen the dancing policeman, security guards and young people joining hands. It's not too soon to bring life and joy, many young people were at the original concert, courageous and as someone mentioned earlier, it's important to get back on the horse. It doesn't mean the victims are forgotten, some children who suffered physical injuries were there.
The choir from Parrs Wood school had been at the concert and were invited to sing at this one.
Also, money will be needed to help the victims.