One Love Manchester concert

I applaud the idea behind the concert and admire those who took part though I have to admit I did not enjoy any of the music. (My DS was watching.) Ariana seems to have a good voice but I found her rendition of 'Over the Rainbow' painful. We all have different tastes! I believe she has released it as a single and hope, nevertheless, that it raises lots of money to help the victims, especially the survivors whose lives have been dramatically changed in ways most of us can't imagine.

Mustn't forget all those still in hospital and many have suffered life-changing injuries too. Lots of young girls, and others, still in hospital, in pain, scarred, crippled.

durhamjen my apologies as I didn't thank you for your kind words yesterday.

To have your child pre-decease you is dreadful and not in the usual order of things. But to lose a child to such a violent end must be completely devastating.

All terrorist attacks make me question my ability to detach people from their behaviours. Perhaps these attackers are nothing more than evil?

Howard Jacobson's words keep coming back to me "...At the last, it is not religion that is the root of all evil; it is certainty. And the secular can do certainty every bit as well as the religious". Faith without doubt is dogma. And dogma usually precludes rational discussion.

I have Muslim friends who say that there is nothing in the Qur'an to condone suicide. They feel ashamed that these attacks are carried out by - so called - Muslims. I feel for them too.

Glad to hear that.

Wilmaknickersfit: Many thanks for your kind words. Yes, my friend's au fait with everything she needs to be.

Yes it was sad, but it was a beautiful gesture by all the artists who just got themselves there. There were some tearful faces in the crowd and Ariana shed a few tears from time to time, but it was uplifting and healing to see young people just enjoying the music and the special atmosphere of the occasion. Ariana was the perfect person to bring all the stars together to perform to honour those who suffered and died and all who are still suffering of course. It's what she does best and she did it with a good heart. A beautiful girl with a lovely voice and the fans clearly adored her.

Northernlass for you and anyone else on here touched by the tragedy. I just can't imagine what families and friends are going through.

I hope you don't mind me asking, but has someone been in touch with your friend to explain how she can get financial support from the fund set up for the families and friends of the victims? We never seem to hear how this kind of thing works for those involved in tragedies like this. I would hate to think people had to be 'proactive ' (for want of a better word) at a time when they need others to step up instead.

So sad, Northernlass. No words to express my sorrow.

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.

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.

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

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

Please can someone explain why Grande is pronounced Granday?

Northernlass for you and your friend.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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 .

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 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.

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 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.

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.