- Title: Sting reopens Paris' Bataclan hall one year after Islamic State attack
- Date: 12th November 2016
- Summary: PARIS, FRANCE (NOVEMBER 12, 2016) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF PEOPLE LEAVING BATACLAN AFTER CONCERT (SOUNDBITE) (English) CANADIAN VISITOR, STACEY, SAYING: "I'm just so blessed to have been there. There was so much amazing power and energy in the room and Sting just did an amazing job honouring people, honouring people who have been lost and honouring community and a path forward of peace." (SOUNDBITE) (French) ATTENDEE AT CONCERT, CEDRIC, SAYING: "It was to both enjoy the music but also to say that we were there, and that as soon as there is a good rock concert we will be there, whatever takes place, whatever happens." (SOUNDBITE) (English) CANADIAN VISITOR, GRAHAM, SAYING: "Sadly, terrorism will happen in the world and will continue to happen but we have to as a community move forward with that." (SOUNDBITE) (French) CONCERT ATTENDEE WHO HAD TRAVELLED FROM GENEVA TO SEE STING, SOPHIE, SAYING: "It was the first time I have gone (to the Bataclan). And I was a little apprehensive, but there was a very warm atmosphere, and at no moment was I stressed." POLICE OUTSIDE BATACLAN VARIOUS OF PEOPLE LIGHTING CANDLES AT MAKESHIFT MEMORIAL OUTSIDE BATACLAN CANDLES CANDLES BURNING AT MAKESHIFT MEMORIAL
- Embargoed: 27th November 2016 23:51
- Keywords: Sting Bataclan France Paris November 13 attacks theatre concert
- Location: PARIS, FRANCE
- City: PARIS, FRANCE
- Country: France
- Topics: Arts/Culture/Entertainment,Music
- Reuters ID: LVA0045852MO7
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Rock star Sting headlined a concert in Paris' Bataclan music hall on Saturday (November 12) to mark the venue's reopening a year after three Islamist militants gunned down 90 revellers in France's bloodiest terror attack.
Sting, who fronted the hit pop band The Police before a long solo career, opened the emotionally charged gig with a minute's silence, telling the crowd: "We will not forget them."
"Tonight we have two tasks to achieve: first to remember those who lost their lives in the attack, and then to celebrate life and music in this historic place," the performer said.
On November 13, 2015, the assailants burst through the music hall's main entrance and sprayed automatic gunfire into the crowd as the Californian rock band the Eagles of Death Metal played on stage.
A witness told Reuters they saw Eagles of Death Metal come to the Bataclan on Saturday, staying for around fifteen minutes to take pictures with fans and sign autographs outside the venue.
During a more than two-hour long assault, the November 13 attackers executed some victims and took others hostage. The attack ended after one militant was shot dead and the two others killed themselves by detonating explosive vests.
In coordinated strikes that night, other gunmen and suicide bombers targeted a soccer stadium and several cafes in Paris. In all, the Islamic State militants killed 130 people.
Canadian visitor Stacey said she felt blessed to be able to attend the Sting concert.
"There was so much amazing power and energy in the room and Sting just did an amazing job honouring people, honouring people who have been lost and honouring community and a path forward of peace," she said.
As the concert hall emptied, another concert-goer Sophie who had travelled from Geneva to attend the show said:
"It was the first time I have gone (to the Bataclan). And I was a little apprehensive, but there was a very warm atmosphere, and at no moment was I stressed."
The Paris attacks prompted the government to impose a state of emergency, which remains in place, following attacks this summer in Nice and Normandy.
Proceeds from Saturday's Bataclan gig will go to two charities helping survivors of the Paris attacks.
"Long live the Bataclan," Sting said as he left the stage. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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