Industry News

Live Nation pays tribute as 59 confirmed dead in Las Vegas

Live Nation said it is “stunned and grieving” after more than 50 people were shot dead at its Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas.

The entertainment giant, which founded the event along with MGM Resorts International in 2014, released a statement late on Monday as the US came to terms with the biggest mass shooting in its history.

It has now been confirmed that 59 people attending the country music event were killed by gunman Stephen Paddock, with more than 500 injured. Paddock fired at the crowd, who were watching star Jason Aldean at the outdoor The Lot venue, from a room at the Mandalay Bay Hotel.

Live Nation said: “We are heartbroken over the tragedy that took place at the Route 91 Harvest festival. To think that anyone would want to inflict harm on a gathering of music lovers is beyond our comprehension.

“And while we are stunned and grieving over this incomprehensible act of violence, we know that this is a moment when we must come together to prevent more tragedies like this from occurring.

“Live Nation will do everything in our power to support the victims and their families through the aftermath of this horrendous event and extends our deepest gratitude to the heroic first responders who helped save as many lives as possible.

“To our Live Nation on-site employees, we cannot thank you enough for your bravery and perseverance over the past 24 hours and will ensure you have the resources and support necessary to heal from this.”

President Donald Trump offered his “warmest condolences and sympathies” to the victims, while Barack Obama said he and Michelle Obama were “praying for the victims in Las Vegas”.

Officials from Route 91 Harvest also paid tribute to the emergency services and vowed not to be beaten by “senseless violence”

“On behalf of the entire Route 91 Harvest Family, we are completely devastated by the event that occurred Sunday night,” a statement read.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the injured and the deceased and their loved ones, senseless violence has claimed the souls of our fans and we have little in the way of answers.”

Meanwhile, it has been claimed that promoters and organisers may have to rethink security planning following the events in Nevada.

Speaking to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events, said: “My guess is that from here in, it’ll be a different game in that we’ll have to look even beyond the perimeter of these events.

“It’s just tragic, but I think this is a very proactive police force and once all this settles down, they can look at what has to be done now. I think that, knowing the track record of Metro and everybody that works around crowd management and security, there will be another layer of protection.”