Sting plays historic gig at the Bataclan
Sting has played the first concert at the Bataclan since last year’s terrorist attacks in Paris.
The British singer paid tribute to the 89 people who were killed at the iconic music venue in November 2015, saying his performance would "honour and remember those who lost their lives in the attack".
Speaking in French before the start of his set, Sting said: "We will not forget them."
Sting began with a performance of the song ‘Fragile’, singing: "Nothing comes from violence and nothing will."
The singer has already confirmed that the proceeds of his hour-long show will be awarded to two survivors’ charities.
All of the 1,000 tickets made available for the concert sold out within 30 minutes and hundreds of tickets were held for survivors of the attacks last year.
What’s more, psychologists and counsellors were on stand-by at the legendary music venue – which has been completely renovated since the attack – for concert-goers.
Eagles of Death Metal frontman Jesse Hughes was turned away from Sting’s gig, with the venue’s management saying he was not welcome after making disparaging remarks about the Bataclan in the aftermath of the attacks.
The band were playing on the night of the murders and Jesse suggested Bataclan security staff were complicit in the attack, although he later apologised.
Today (13.11.16), the Bataclan is closed on the actual anniversary of the attack and a plaque is set to be unveiled in memory of the victims.
The venue will open again on Wednesday, when there will be a number of concerts by British singer Pete Doherty and Senegalese star Youssou N’Dour, as well as Marianne Faithfull.
