Music fans in Manchester vow to defy terror threat after arena bombing

Simple Minds fans have told Sky News they were determined not to give in to terror as they went to the band's gig in Manchester just 24 hours after a suicide bomber killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande show in the city.

Wiping away tears, Maureen Tweedale told Sky News: "We thought about not coming, but we thought, you're letting them win... we just thought we'd come and that's it.

"We love this city, we come out in it all the time and we're not going to stop."

As she entered the Bridgewater Hall, less than a mile from the Manchester Arena, she added: "Picking on kids is bang out of order. We're not going to give in. We're frightened but we're carrying on."

:: LIVE: Manchester Arena explosion

That view was echoed by Mikki Kinder: "If you can't stand together and carry on with your lives, who's gonna win?" she said.

Asked if they were nervous about venturing out, Ms Kinder and her companion, David Parkin, both replied: "No."

Another concertgoer, Fiona Copley, said the attack was "not going to stop me from doing what I want to do", while Linda Smith said: "You can't put your life on hold because of some religious fanatics."

Some of Manchester's best-known musicians have expressed their horror at the terror attack.

The Smiths' guitarist Johnny Marr, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher and Elbow's Guy Garvey were among those offering their sympathies on social media.

Gallagher said he was "in total shock and absolutely devastated", while Marr wrote "Manchester stands together" and Garvey said: "My heart's broken."

Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook, from Salford, Greater Manchester, tweeted that his daughter had "made it home safe from Ariana Grande last night".

Their support for those caught up in Monday night's bombing have been echoed across the showbusiness world.

"I'm heartbroken over what happened in Manchester tonight. Sending love to everyone involved," said former One Direction star Harry Styles.

James Corden brought up the attack on his US programme The Late Late Show, which was broadcast shortly after the bombing.

"It shocks me every time we hear this sort of news, that attacks like this can happen," he said.

Take That's Gary Barlow, who played at Manchester Arena last week and was due back for a gig later this week, tweeted: "Sad, sad news from Manchester. Praying for all the victims and families involved."

British actor Idris Elba wrote: "That is f****** horrible what happened in Manchester. My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives."

The Beckhams have also shared a "Pray for Manchester" sign trending on social media.

"My heartfelt thoughts and prayers for all those effected by the tragedy in Manchester last night," Victoria wrote.

Former Manchester United footballer Cristiano Ronaldo shared a Union Flag with the word "Manchester" on it.

United captain Wayne Rooney tweeted: "Devastating news this morning. Thoughts and prayers are with all those affected."

Taylor Swift, who is good friends with Grande, wrote: "My thoughts, prayers and tears for all those affected by the Manchester tragedy... I'm sending all my love."

One of Grande's best friends, singer Nicki Minaj, wrote her "heart hurts for my sister", while singer Miley Cyrus said she wished she "could give my friend a great big hug right now".