Police escorted fans out of a New York concert just moments before Noel Gallagher was set to start performing after receiving information about a potential bomb at the venue.
The gig, by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, was to be held at Saratoga Springs on Saturday night. However, the show had to be temporarily put on hold as the crowd was asked to exit the premises.
According to a recent update on the New York State Park Police Facebook page, a bomb threat was issued at the venue. After a comprehensive search, however, no explosives were found.
‘On 07/08/2023, The New York State Park Police, New York State Police, Saratoga Springs Police Department, Troy Police Department, and Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office responded to a bomb threat at Saratoga Performing Arts Center,’ read the official statement.
‘Due to extreme precaution, the concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center was temporarily halted at 9:40 pm and the attendees were evacuated safely.
‘The venue was carefully scrutinized by K9 units after the evacuation, but the search yielded no positive findings.’
‘An investigation into this matter is currently ongoing. This act of terroristic threats, a Class D Felony, shall be thoroughly probed,’ the authorities added.
People Magazine reported that both Metric and Garbage had completed their performances before the evacuation was ordered.
On their official Twitter account, Garbage expressed their confusion and shock about the sudden evacuation.
‘We really don’t know what transpired tonight,’ they wrote. ‘The evacuation was sudden and we were worried about the safety of everyone!!!’
‘We apologize for not having more details. We were just told it was an emergency evacuation!!!!’
Amid the chaos, fans thanked the band for shedding light on the situation, sharing that the uncertainty had made the evening quite unsettling for them.
‘We appreciate your concern for all of us. It was indeed scary, but we hope everything turns out fine,’ a concert-goer responded. ‘Your performance was fantastic. Saratoga loves you!’
‘Made it home safe. It was a two-hour drive but we’re fine,’ another fan added. ‘Seems like everyone was able to evacuate. I hope the issue gets resolved soon!
We have no idea what happened tonight. We were just all evacuated and we were concerned for everyone !!!
I’m sorry we have no real information . We were just told there was an emergency evacuation!!!!— Garbage (@garbage) July 9, 2023
‘Your show was amazing, and so was @Metric. Felt sorry for @NoelGallagher who couldn’t perform! [sic].’
‘As long as everyone is safe,’ a follower shared.
Another lover of the event added on Instagram: ‘Relieved to know everyone is unharmed!!’
Noel Gallagher has yet to make any public remarks on the incident, but he is expected to perform tonight at the Central Park Summerstage in New York.
