Nearly a year to the day after the deadly terrorist attacks that left 130 people dead in Paris, the Bataclan theater is set to re-open next Saturday, November 12, with a performance by Sting. The charity event by the British rock star comes four days ahead of the previously planned first concert at the venue where 89 people died in the November 13 attack. Sting announced the news on his website and official Twitter account:
Exclusive concert in Paris for re-opening of @le_bataclan just announced for Sat., Nov. 12. Details/ticket info at https://t.co/lrpZj6pppQ. pic.twitter.com/VkMcbdnidx
— Sting (@OfficialSting) November 4, 2016
Having such a globally recognized artist as Sting perform is seen as a boon for the Bataclan which has reportedly faced reluctance from some big acts to play there. All revenues from the one-night-only show will be donated to charities Life For Paris and 13 Novembre: Fraternité Verité. Tickets for the event go on sale from November 8.
The Bataclan was the site of severe carnage during the November 13, 2015 Paris Attacks when three armed gunmen wearing suicide vests opened fire during a performance by Southern California rock band Eagles of Death Metal. In addition to the 89 people who were killed, more than 200 were wounded.
On his website, Sting wrote, “In re-opening the Bataclan, we have two important tasks to reconcile. 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.”
(Colin Hanks recently spoke to Deadline about his upcoming documentary that focuses on the band and the events of November 13. Eagles Of Death Metal: Nos Amis (Our Friends), is set to air on HBO next February, and will also have a theatrical release.)
The Bataclan has remained closed since the attacks, and has been renovated. Libertines frontman Pete Doherty is the first regularly scheduled act beginning on November 16, followed by Senegalese star Youssou N’Dour and singer Marianne Faithfull.
