If the “shape of” Indian’s fan was anything to go by, Ed Sheeran must be rolling on the ground howling with delight as his concert sold out in just 48 minutes for his live performance in Mumbai.
Diamond was the first category to be sold out followed by Gold and Silver.
The concert is part of the Asian leg of Ed Sheeran's world tour to support his third studio album ÷ (divide) and he is expected to perform most popular tracks from this album.
The Mumbai concert, brought to India by AEG Presents and PR Worldwide in collaboration with BookMyShow, will be held at Jio Garden, BKC Mumbai on 19th November.
The suicide bomber has been named as 22-year-old Salman Abedi and a 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the horrifying bomb attack, which killed 22 people, including children, and injured 59 more at the Manchester Arena last night.
The arrest was announced this morning just moments after Prime Minister Theresa May denounced the “appalling sickening cowardice” of the lone suicide bomber who detonated a homemade device in the foyer of the Manchester Arena just as thousands of young people were leaving a concert.
Witnesses said they heard bangs inside the arena coming from the area of the bars minutes after American singer Ariana Grande was cheered off the stage on Monday 22nd May.
The blast, according to police, is believed to be the biggest terror attack on British soil since 2005. Many of the dead are believed to be children, killed as they headed to meet their parents in the foyer area near the box office.
Questions have arisen about how the attacker could have entered the building with an explosive device, given that bags were being searched on the way into the venue.
The attacker struck at the arena’s most fragile point: its exit. Officers believe the suicide bombing was conducted by one man who died at the scene, although they are working to establish if he "was acting alone or as part of a network".
Isis has claimed responsibility for the terror attack and the claim came via the terror group’s central media arm.
At this moment in time, there is nothing suggesting that Isis directed the attack and experts have warned that jihadists often make this claim to show support and share propaganda messages and images.
Declaring that police and security services would be given whatever resources were needed to track down any accomplices of the attacker, Mrs May vowed: “The terrorists will never win and our values, our country and our way of life will always prevail.”
Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: “With regards to the ongoing investigation into last night’s horrific attack at the Manchester Arena, we can confirm we have arrested a 23-year-old man in South Manchester.”
It’s been revealed that that police and security services believed they knew the identify of the bomber, who died alongside his victims.
Devastated locals have opened up their homes and given help to concert-goers affected using the hashtag #RoomForManchester. There are also reports that a hotel near the venue has taken in dozens of children to keep them safe.
Taxi drivers have been offering people free rides home, and volunteers are already arranging to give blood at donor banks later today to help those injured.
The city's mayor, former Labour MP Andy Burnham, tweeted: "If you are stranded in the area you can... follow #RoomForManchester where hotels and local people of our great city are offering refuge."
Anyone with concerns over loved ones can contact 0161 856 9400 or 0161 856 9900 for assistance.
Any footage from the scene can be uploaded at ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk or ukpoliceimageappeal.com. The anti-terrorist hotline is 0800 789321. Anyone with urgent concerns should contact 999.
…so far
At least 22 people killed and 59 injured
Suicide bomber Salman Abedi had IED around his waist
Police say male, lone attacker is responsible
A 23-year-old man has been arrested
Theresa May says many children among those killed
‘Evil losers’: Donald Trump responds to attack
Katie Hopkins reported to police for hate speech tweet
All parties suspend election campaigning
Ariana Grande tweets: ‘From the bottom of my heart, I am so, so sorry.’
Video shows moment concert-goers flee in terror
Eyewitnesses: ‘People were lying on the ground covered in blood’
People in Manchester open their homes to victims
An emergency number is available for those who are concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area: 0161 856 9400
How events unfolded on Monday 22nd May:
Monday, 6pm: Doors open at Manchester Arena in the north of the city centre for US pop singer Ariana Grande performance in a sell-out concert at the 21,000-capacity venue.
7.30pm: Ariana Grand’s show begins after a performance from support act BIA, an American rapper.
10.30pm: Show’s scheduled finish. Thousands of fans begin to file out of the arena’s four exits.
A “huge bomb-like bang” is heard at the arena. Witnesses describe being knocked from their feet by an explosion and seeing dozens of injured, possibly dead, people including children lying on the floor. Others describe panic as concert-goers run for exits.
10.35pm: Greater Manchester Police (GMP) called to reports of an explosion at Manchester Arena. Dozens of emergency services vehicles stream into the area.
10.55pm: Police urge people to stay away from the area as responders deal with a “serious incident”.
11.46pm: Police say there have been a number of confirmed fatalities.
Tuesday, 1.10am: Nineteen people are confirmed dead and around 50 others injured following the suspected explosion police say is being treated as a terrorist incident.
1.35am: A controlled explosion is carried out on a suspicious item in the Cathedral Gardens area near Manchester Arena. It is later confirmed to be abandoned clothing.
2.15am Prime Minister Theresa May says her thoughts are with the victims and families of those affected in “what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack”.
3.04am Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, Greater Manchester Police, says: “My thoughts are very much with those who have been injured and lost their lives. We are currently treating this as a terrorist incident until we have further information. This is clearly a very concerning time for everyone. I want to thank people for their support and ask them to remain vigilant.”
4am Campaigning has been suspended in Britain’s national election after a deadly explosion at Manchester Arena.
7am Greater Manchester Police confirm death toll has risen to 22, and that the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber.
The much-anticipated return of Adnan Sami back onto the UK concert scene didn’t disappoint, with shows selling out across Leicester, Leeds and Wembley.
At the First Direct Arena in Leeds, thousands turned up for an unforgettable show, in which he sung a number of blockbusters along with a mix of numbers never performed live in concert before.
Adnan Sami with Nadim Hanif Managing Director of Asian Express Newspaper
With some of the finest musicians in Asia, Adnan’s performance, was akin to an incredible orchestra and his unplugged segment certainly left pulses soaring.
Adnan’s ability to mesmerise the audience - not only with his pitch-perfect vocals but combined with his exceptional piano skills, encapsulated his talent as not only a vocalist and musician but also as a music composer.
Organisers, Spectrum Events said: “We've been privileged to play host to the legendary musician, singer, music composer and actor, par excellence over the past week.
“I would like to thank all our associated partners and sponsors who have assisted in making this mega tour possible. We've been incredibly impressed with the approach, expertise and level of commitment they've shown towards the tour.”
1. Can you remember the first time you performed in front of a live audience and what was that like?
I've been performing since I was a kid. Memories go back to being just a few years old. Performing at school at local functions, and playing alongside my parents in the Gurdwarasaheb.
2. How do you look back on the journey from that first performance to becoming a world renowned live performer?
Performing is an art which is mastered over time. I have been performing for so many years now that it has become second nature to me. I have learnt so much over the years which I am really proud of.
3. What has been your most memorable live show?
I couldn't really name any one particular show. Each show is memorable in its own way. Beautiful Cities, wonderful people, it's been a spectacular journey.
4. You have mastered the stage, but what is the secret of a live show?
I feel when it comes to Live shows the main ingredient is connecting with your audience. Keeping them involved, making them feel as if the performance is completely interactive.
5. You seem to have an extra burst of energy on stage many artists don't have, where does that come from?
I'm always energetic! To sum it up, 'Punjabiyaan di battery charge rehndi hain'.
6. What has been your memorable encounter with a fan at a live show?
My favourite are my young fans. The kids are so cute. I always call them up on stage to perform with me. It's truly humbling.
7. How much are you looking forward to your UK show and what can we expect?
UK has always been a favourite destination of mine. London, Birmingham, Leeds, I have met some of my most wonderful fans there. I plan to come there and do what I do best and am super duper excited to tear up the stage.
8. How much do you plan a show and how much is freestyled?
My shows are completely freestyled, nothing is planned and I with my live band improvise each and every performance.
9. Which songs do you enjoy singing live most and why?
I love singing the songs my fans enjoy most, and lucky for me by gods grace that has been each and every one! I get various requests at each show; my hits like 'Subha hone na de' '440 Volte' and 'Jumme ki raat' are favourites.
10. How do you UK audiences compare to others around the world?
My adore my UK audiences. Like I mentioned earlier they are a brilliant crowd. So alive, energetic, appreciative and loving.
11. You spend a lot of time on the road, what is the biggest thing you miss about being at home?
Home cooked food. But then again saying that, I travel with my cook, so do tend to get that on the road too! Hehe.
12. Is there any country you haven't performed at but would love to and why?
I think again the grace of god I have covered everywhere in the world now. Over my career span of 18 years, I have been lucky enough to reach some of the most beautiful cities in the world.
13. You have a great ability to select hit songs how do you select them?
I don't select them- Great hit songs select Mika Singh.
14. You are also a musician, does that make it difficult to take instructions from a music director?
Never. However, They never really instruct me they tell me what they think would sound good and I give my suggestions.
15. What are your big passions away from music?
I am extremely passionate about animals. I have over 30 beautiful animals at my farm house in Delhi.
16. You have quite a mischievous streak where does that come from?
Haha. It comes from within. I keep myself and people entertained by just being ME.
17. Do you have any big unfulfilled ambitions away from music?
None as of now. There are new targets I set to achieve every now and then and I make sure I work towards them and hit the jackpot in everything I decide to do.
18. Today what inspires you?
My biggest inspiration today is Amitabh Bachchan sir. He never stops, never quits, never gives up. That's how I wana be all my life.
19. Why do you love music?
I belong from a musical family. It's in my blood. It's a part of me.
20. Why should we come to your UK show?
Because I want you to witness the best of Bollywood music live.
For the first time at Manchester, Arijit Singh – a world renowned playback singer and music programmer, will fly in from Mumbai to stun his audience with a soulful performance.
Ask any Bollywood Music fan, to name their favourite singer currently, and it won’t be long before Arijit’s name enters the conversation.
Already considered to be the voice of his generation, his ability to reach the loftiest of notes with his mellifluous voice has made him a household name. He will be singing to a packed out audience and will be accompanied on stage by top musicians and vocalists.
Arijit rose to widespread prominence with the release of the song ‘Tum Hi Ho’ from the ‘Aashiqui 2’ soundtrack.
After this, there was no looking back – to the extent that the classically trained singer’s songs became more popular than the films they were featured in.
He has recently showcased his vast repertoire – from the playful ‘Sooraj Dooba Hain’ and the sonorous ‘Gerua’ to the rustic ‘Soch Na Sake’.
It is hard to imagine a genre that Arijit Singhcan't master.
The music maestro’s live concerts are a complete, immersive experience where he not only recreates his own songs but covers hits by other artistes which feature on his own playlist.
His debut in Manchester Arena on Sunday 10th July is sure to be this year's hottest ticket in town - book early to avoid disappointment.
“I am probably one of the biggest fans of Arijit Singh. Mesmerized by his talent and soulful voice. I am short of words actually.” – Virat Kohli
“Versatile with a soulful voice” – Shreya Ghoshal
“He’s an expression of the 21st century. The youth sighs at his voice. He will be a major creative force to reckon with in the years to come.” – Mahesh Bhatt
