Unimaginable tragedy struck this past May after a suicide bomb attack killed 22 at an Ariana Grande concert, but in testament to human will, Manchester Arena will be reopening in September with a benefit concert headlined by the city’s very own Noel Gallagher of Oasis with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
The concert, dubbed “We Are Manchester,” will be a one-time show in honor of and to raise proceeds for the 22 victims.
Gallagher — who along with brother Liam was born and raised in the British city — will headline the Sept. 9 gig, alongside other indie bands like The Courteneers and Blossoms, as well as the unforgettable “Never Gonna Give You Up” singer Rick Astley.
In addition, Poet Tony Walsh will be making an appearance, as he had days after the bombing, when he performed his poem “This Is The Place” to a grieving Manchester crowd.
“May’s events will never be forgotten, but they will not stop us — or Mancunian music fans — from coming together to enjoy live music,” James Allen, general manager of the arena, said in a statement.
“We Are Manchester” will be the second major benefit show in honor of the victims.
Ariana Grande headlined the “One Love Manchester” show in June, with some help from stars like Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Pharrell Williams and Niall Horan. The gig reportedly raised more than $13 million.
Noel Gallagher’s brother and former bandmate Liam performed at “One Love,” though the jury’s still out on whether he’ll swing by his brother’s headlining set, but considering Liam’s statements about hoping to be “brothers” again with Noel, perhaps there’ll be some kind of fraternal reunion as well.
Noel previously donated profits from the Oasis hit “Don’t Look Back in Anger” to victims of the attack.
All proceeds from “We Are Manchester” will go to the Manchester Memorial Fund, a charitable trust that will go toward establishing a permanent memorial for the attack.
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