Security arrangement increased at Bob Dylan’s concert after Paris attacks

Last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris have scarred people for life and in the aftermaths of the attack, the security in the French capital has been tightened. However, to eliminate any possibility of a similar mishap, Bob Dylan requested 12 armed guards for his performances in Italy on Wednesday.

Several other artists, including U2, Coldplay and Foo Fighters cancelled their gigs after the attack but Dylan chose to heighten the security at his concerts in Italy instead, The Independent has reported. The American singer performed at the Teatro Auditorium Manzoni in Bologna again on Wednesday, while 12 armed guards ensured the security measures at the venue.

The 74-year old singer made the request to tighten the security in the wake of the attacks at Le Bataclan in Paris during Eagles of Death Metal’s show. Reportedly, 89 people were killed during the show on Nov. 13. Considering Dylan’s request, 12 armed guards were deployed at the entrances of the venue, on the stage as well as backstage.

International Business Times had previously reported about the security arrangements during Dylan’s concert where some of the guards were disguised as civilians in normal clothes and were present amongst the audience. In addition to this, local police officers too were present outside the auditorium.

Artistic director of the Manzoni, Giorgio Zagnoni, confirmed Corriere della Sera newspaper that this was the first incident where an artist sought additional security during a concert.

After the gig, Dylan headed back to Milan on Thursday for his concerts at the Teatro Arcimboldi. Eagles of Death Metal too reached their homeland safely after a narrow escape during the Paris attacks. However, their merchandise dealer Nick Alexander was killed in the incident at Le Bataclan. Alexander’s girlfriend posted a heartfelt tribute for him on Twitter that went viral soon after.

Eagles of Death Metal released a statement recently to announce that their “thoughts and hearts” were with Nick Alexander as well as other who lost their lives during the attack, The Independent reported.

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