U2 concert evacuated in Stockholm after ‘security breach’

Band apologises and postpones Sweden gig amid concerns over safety of the audience

Police and concertgoers wait outside the  Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, after a U2 concert at the venue was evacuated. Photograph: Pontus Lundahl/TT News Agency/Reuters
Police and concertgoers wait outside the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, after a U2 concert at the venue was evacuated. Photograph: Pontus Lundahl/TT News Agency/Reuters

A U2 concert was evacuated in Sweden on Sunday night after a man with a gun reportedly entered the venue.

A notice posted on the band’s official website said that, due to a “security breach”, Stockholm’s The Globen was evacuated and the concert postponed on Sunday evening.

“As the breach has not been resolved quickly and as audience safety is paramount, the police have advised The Globen and Live Nation that they have no option but to postpone tonight’s show, to a rescheduled date of Tuesday, 22nd September,” the website stated.

All tickets for Sunday’s gig will be valid on Tuesday.

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The statement added: “The organisers apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank the audience for their understanding. Their safety is the priority.”

Venue search

Swedish media reports suggested police were searching the venue for a specific individual. According to the Aftonbladet newspaper, a man with a gun was spotted by security guards at the entrance.

Photos from the scene showed police vehicles outside.

The concert was scheduled to begin at 8.15pm local time and U2 fans had already taken their seats when they were asked to leave the building.

The Stockholm concerts were among the first in U2's Experience Tour, which began Wednesday last.

The tour ends with four nights in Dublin in late November.