Bono: Paris Attack First 'Direct Hit on Music'

U2's Saturday and Sunday night Paris concerts have been cancelled in the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks that have left over 100 dead.

"If you think about it, the majority of victims last night are music fans," U2 lead singer Bono said in an interview with Irish radio host Dave Fanning. "This is the first direct hit on music that we’ve had in this so-called War on Terror. And it’s very upsetting. These are our people. ... The cold-blooded effect of this slaughter is deeply disturbing and that's what I can't get out of my head.”

The Nov. 14 and 15 shows were set to take place at the Bercy Arena, which is roughly just three miles from the Bataclan theater, the concert venue where dozens of hostages were held captive, before being killed Friday.

HBO had plans to air a concert special from the scheduled Saturday night performance, which was planned as part of the Irish rock band's current iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE world tour. The special was announced this summer. Now, the feature film "Jersey Boys" has replaced the show on HBO's schedule.

Friday night, the band posted this statement on their website:

As a result of the ongoing state of emergency across France, the U2 Paris concert scheduled for 14th November will not be going ahead as planned. U2 and Live Nation, along with HBO who were due to live broadcast the Saturday concert, are fully resolved to go ahead with this show at an appropriate time. Speaking from Paris the band said, "We watched in disbelief and shock at the unfolding events in Paris and our hearts go out to all the victims and their families across the city. We are devastated at the loss of life at the Eagles of Death Metal concert and our thoughts and prayers are with the band and their fans. And we hope and pray that all of our fans in Paris are safe."

Shortly before Paris fell under attack, Bono posted a self-taped video on the band's Facebook page, promoting the HBO special. Since, thousands of fans have commented with differing perspectives -- some have urged U2 to still perform, as they'll bring happiness to concert-goers in the city, while others have pleaded for the band to cancel the show, in respect of the horrific events.

As a result of the ongoing state of emergency across France, the U2 Paris concerts scheduled for the 14th and 15th November will not be going ahead as planned. U2 and Live Nation, along with HBO who were due to live broadcast the Saturday concert, are fully resolved to go ahead with this show at an appropriate time.