Protests in St Louis over the acquittal of a white former police officer charged with murdering a black man have led to more than 30 arrests

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Both U2 and Ed Sheeran have cancelled concert dates in St Louis over security concerns amid protests in the city after the acquittal of a white former police officer charged with murdering a black man.



The Irish band were booked to play at The Dome at America’s Center on Saturday night, while English singer Sheeran had sold-out a Sunday night show at the Scottrade Center. Police say they cannot guarantee the typical level of security as the city faces ongoing protests.

Hundreds protested on Friday and Saturday in downtown St Louis, in an upscale section of town and in well-to-do suburbs, leading to at least 32 arrests. More protests were expected Saturday night.

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U2’s singer Bono, in a statement posted on Instagram, said he was “deeply saddened at what has happened in St Louis and having to cancel our show tonight.

“I found myself reading Dr King’s speech from the National Cathedral and asking myself is this 1968 or 2017?”

A statement from U2’s concert promoter, Live Nation, said “We have been informed by the St Louis police department that they are not in a position to provide the standard protection for our audience as would be expected for an event this size.

“We have also been informed that local crowd security personnel would not be at full capacity.”

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Ed Sheeran has cancelled his sold out show in St Louis, Missouri. Photograph: Jason Koerner/Getty Images

On U2’s website it says they “cannot in good conscience risk our fans’ safety by proceeding with tonight’s concert.

“As much as we regret having to cancel, we feel it is the only acceptable course of action in the current environment.”

Some U2 fans were confused as to what part of Ireland the band are from, saying they had lived through the Troubles and so should not have cancelled their show.

AngryRichRadio (@AngryRichRadio) U2 lived through the "troubles" in Ireland and cancel a show b/c some Nerdy Antifa goon might raise a ruckus? That's weak, @u2

Refunds will be available from point of purchase from Monday.



Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report