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Bataclan to reopen with charity show on 12 Nov

Paris’s Bataclan theatre, the site of the 13 November 2015 terrorist attacks which left 89 concertgoers dead, will reopen earlier than expected with a show by Sting.

Although Pete Doherty’s 16 November concert was believed initially to be the first following the 1,500-capacity venue’s reopening, its owner, Lagardère, has announced that former Police frontman Sting will perform on Saturday 12 November, with all proceeds going to victims’ charities.

He comments: “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.”

“We hope to respect the memory as well as the life affirming spirit of those who fell. We shall not forget them”

Speaking to reporters, Jerome Langlet, head of Lagardère Unlimited Live Entertainment, says: “This is not a ceremony; it’s a concert. It’s the one and the same Bataclan. We chose to change it all without changing anything – to change it all so that nothing remains of the night of absolute horror, but to change nothing of the soul and history of the Bataclan.”

Reuters reports roofing, tiling and seating have been replaced, but with similar materials, and entrance hall lighting improved.

Eagles of Death Metal, who were playing at the time of the attack by the Islamic State (IS), returned to Paris on 16 February for an emotional show at the Olympia, for which survivors of the Bataclan attack were given free tickets.

 


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