Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ImagesAfter announcing their remaining concerts in Paris would be canceled in wake of the Paris attacks, Bono and fellow U2 bandmates Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr. and The Edge remained in the French capital on Saturday and took a moment to honor the victims.
The four laid bouquets of flowers on a makeshift candlelight memorial on the pavement next to the scene of the deadliest incident, a shooting attack inside the Bataclan Theatre. Gunmen shot dead at least 87 people watching the American band Eagles of Death Metal perform at the concert hall. The musicians survived, while Nick Alexander, 36, who worked at their merchandise table during the group's our, was killed, his family said in a statement to Rolling Stone.
At least 129 people were killed in all six attacks, the deadliest to take place in Paris since World War II. The terrorist group ISIS has claimed responsibility.
Following the attacks, U2 canceled two scheduled concerts at another Paris venue, the AccorHotels Arena, located about four and a half miles away from the theater that was targeted on Friday.
U2 had performed in Paris earlier this week and was rehearsing at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris on Friday night when they heard about the attacks.
"Our first thoughts at this point are with the Eagles of Death Metal fans," Bono said on RTÉ2fm radio in his native Ireland on Saturday morning. "If you think about it, the majority of victims last night are music fans."
"This is the first direct hit on music that we've had in this so-called 'War on Terror' or whatever it's called," continued the singer, known for his left-leaning political views. "It's very upsetting. These are our people. This could be me at a show. You at a show, in that venue. It's a very recognizable situation for you and for me and the coldblooded aspect of this slaughter is deeply disturbing and that's what I can't get out of my head."
One of the band's canceled concerts was scheduled to be taped for an HBO special. U2, the cable network and concert promoter Live Nation are "are fully resolved to go ahead with this show at an appropriate time," a message posted on U2's website said.
Foo Fighters canceled the remaining four dates of their own tour, which included a concert in the city.
France declared a national state of emergency and its borders have been closed in wake of the attacks.
"We didn't call it off," Bono told RTÉ2fm about Saturday's U2 concert. "It was canceled, honest, and I understand perfectly why...It's up to the French authorities and the city to decide when we can go back."
Police have asked people to remain indoors this weekend and many shopping malls and theaters have been closed temporarily, local outlet Le Monde reported. Disneyland Paris, located about 40 miles east of where the terrorist attacks took place, also closed on Saturday for what is believed to be the first time since it opened in 1992.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by these horrible events," read a post on the theme park's website.