Sting en Bataclan un año después. Público entregado. Mucha emoción. 'Message in a bottle'. pic.twitter.com/XSJ96wcB5U
— David Alandete (@alandete) November 12, 2016
Nearly one year to the day of the horrific massacre that occurred within its walls, The Bataclan is once again open in Paris.
The French music venue targeted in 2015’s attacks has understandably been dormant since that time, but live music reemerged tonight with a special concert from Sting with the proceeds going to survivors’ charities. It was an engagement that the artist reflected upon in an Instagram post and one he took very seriously.
“In re-opening the Bataclan, we have two important tasks to reconcile,” wrote Sting in the accompanying caption. “First, to remember and honour those who lost their lives in the attack a year ago, and second to celebrate the life and the music that this historic theatre represents. In doing so we hope to respect the memory as well as the life affirming spirit of those who fell. We shall not forget them.”
BBC described the mood of the concertgoers as “defiant” and the atmosphere of the venue resembling a concert hall once again. Sting was more than willing to address the historical importance of the evening and the impact felt from the loss.
How Sting opened tonight's concert at The Bataclan. He walked on stage and spoke in French. Translation: pic.twitter.com/PRQ53y38De
— Nick Garnett (@NicholasGarnett) November 12, 2016
The concert is in full swing. I turn to see a man who lost his 20 year old daughter. Tears stream down his face. Not all wounds have healed.
— Nick Garnett (@NicholasGarnett) November 12, 2016
Last song: sting closes show with Empty Chair. For Jim Foley & all those who were lost at The Bataclan. pic.twitter.com/qTbjEzzRQt
— Nick Garnett (@NicholasGarnett) November 12, 2016
The final notes of tonight's concert to mark the reopening of The Bataclan by Sting. The applause goes on for three minutes pic.twitter.com/sh7l4b0BpF
— Nick Garnett (@NicholasGarnett) November 12, 2016
"I never thought I could come here… I'm so glad I did". Helen Wilson, who's boyfriend Nick Alexander died at Bataclan @bbc5live 2300 pic.twitter.com/AvJBdCDZZB
— Nick Garnett (@NicholasGarnett) November 12, 2016
According to AFP journalist Katy Lee, Jesse Hughes from Eagles of Death Metal was refused entry for the reopening concert. His controversial comments about what happened during the concert have been cited as the reason why.
https://twitter.com/kjalee/status/797563755790036995
"They came, I threw them out — there are things you can't forgive," says Bataclan co-director Jules Frutos
— Katy Lee (@kjalee) November 12, 2016
Hughes and one other EODM member denied entry to the Bataclan, where Sting was playing to mark a year since the jihadist attack there
— Katy Lee (@kjalee) November 12, 2016
(Via Entertainment Weekly)
