#Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds show evacuated over bomb threat

Last Saturday (July 8), Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ performance at Saratoga Performing Arts Center was canceled due to a bomb threat, according to the Albany Times Union.

The opening acts, Metric and Garbage, performed as planned, but around 10 p.m. (20 minutes before Noel Gallagher and his band were scheduled to begin), an announcement was made on stage saying that because of “circumstances beyond our control, the show will not continue. We ask that you please move calmly, safely to the nearest main gate exit.”

A message on the screen also read, “ATTENTION! At this time, we will need to evacuate the venue. We ask that you calmly proceed to the nearest EXIT. Please follow directions of staff and police officers. For the safety of everyone, please do NOT rush or push. Thank you for your cooperation.”

The next day, the New York State Park Police, who have jurisdiction over the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, issued a statement. “New York State Park Police, New York State Police, city of Saratoga Springs police, Troy police, and Saratoga Co. sheriff’s department responded to a bomb threat at Saratoga Performing Arts Center Saturday,” they told the Times Union. “Out of an abundance of caution, the concert was suspended ‪at 9:40 p.m. Saturday‬ and concert attendees were evacuated without incident. K9s completed a sweep of the venue after the crowd exited, with negative results.”

The venue’s CEO, Elizabeth Sobol, released a statement that afternoon: “The safety and security of our guests, staff and performers is our utmost priority. We are grateful for the collaborative effort among Live Nation staff, and the state Park Police, State Police, county and city police and sheriff teams for their professionalism, vigilance, and continued attention to security measures at our venue. After giving the all clear last night, today’s show will continue as planned.”

The planned Kidz Bop concert went on Sunday afternoon without incident.