PARIS — On Nov. 13, 2015, gunmen stormed the Bataclan as an Eagles of Death Metal concert was underway. Part of a coordinated terrorist attack on the city that left 130 dead, 90 were killed at the venue. On Nov. 12, 2016, the venue reopened, featuring a concert by Sting. Proceeds from the Sting concert, which sold out in 30 minutes, went to charities helping victims’ families and survivors.
The venue owners, Lagardere Live Entertainment, which had vowed to reopen the venue as an act of defiance against the jihadists who forced it to shut down, has also reserved seats at no charge for survivors, and counselors were on hand to provide any needed support.
Sting, who performed at the Bataclan as frontman for The Police in 1979, also be releasing his latest album, 57th & 9th, just before the show. The Nov. 12 performance included the song, “Fragile,” with its lyrics, “Nothing comes from violence and nothing will.” There was also a minute of silence in memory of the victims.
The Bataclan was closed on Nov. 13. A ceremony unveiedl a plaque to commemorate the tragedy outside the venue.
Performances will resume Nov. 16, with a series of shows featuring Pete Doherty, Youssou N’Dour, Marianne Faithfull and more.
