"It shocks me, every time we hear this news, that attacks like this can happen," he said, "but especially when there will be so many children at this concert tonight."
He then elaborated on what many people love about Manchester: "It's famous all over the world for so many things. Great football teams, Man City [and] Man United. It's famous for incredible music, Oasis and Joy Division. It was the birthplace of the leader of the suffragettes. It's the home of the inventor of the first computer. It's a place full of comedy and curries and character.
"But when I think of Manchester, the place that I know, I think of the spirit of the people there. And I'm telling you, a more tight-knit group of people you will be hard pressed to find: strong, proud, caring people with community at its core.
"And if it was even possible, the spirit of the people of Manchester will grow even stronger this evening."