STORY: An outpouring of song from Taylor Swift fans in Vienna, after the singer's three concerts in the city were abruptly canceled following the Austrian government's confirmation of a planned attack at the venue.
“We are very upset, very disappointed. But we're just really happy that everyone's safe.”
Some 195,000 fans were expected for the concerts.
Austrian police on Wednesday (August 8) detained three teenagers suspected of plotting attacks.
A 19-year-old, who has North Macedonian roots, made a full confession in custody.
He swore allegiance to Islamic State on the internet and had chemicals, machetes, and technical devices at his home in the town of Ternitz in preparation for an attack authorities said on Thursday.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said an Islamic State cell of suicide attackers was broken up.
“The suspects in fact had very concrete and detailed plans to create a tragedy here the size of Paris, Manchester or Moscow, at concerts with a lot of people and to create a bloodbath.”
Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said foreign intelligence agencies had helped with the investigation, as Austrian law does not allow monitoring of messenger apps.
He said this had prevented a tragedy and understood Swift's decision to cancel the shows.
North Americans have flocked to Europe where tickets for Swift shows could cost as much as 80% less due to stricter consumer protection laws than in the U.S..
''We planned all year to be here so what a huge disappointment for our friends and our kids. One year of planning.''
Swift has not yet commented on the cancellations but promoters have said they will refund tickets.
British police said on Thursday there was nothing to indicate this would have an impact on her shows at Wembley Stadium, in London, next week.
