Sting brings music back to Bataclan one year on

MUSIC fans at the Bataclan concert hall said “life must go on” as Sting took to the stage to mark one year since the Paris terrorist attacks.

The former Police frontman, 65, reopened the 150-year-old venue, in a fashionable district of the French capital, where 89 people were killed on November 13 last year.

There was a heavy police presence outside the theatre and revellers were being searched more than once as they made their way in on the eve of the anniversary of the massacre.

Islamic extremist suicide bombers – Frenchmen Omar Ismail Mostefai, 29, Samy Amimour, 28, and Foued Mohamed-Aggad, 23 – stormed into the concert hall as US rock band Eagles Of Death Metal performed, while attackers also targeted cafes and the Stade de France. In total 130 people died, including Briton Nick Alexander.

Appearing on stage to loud cheers, Sting spoke French to the packed crowd, saying: “We’ve got two important things to do tonight ... First, to remember and honour those who lost their lives in the attacks a year ago, and to celebrate the life and the music of this historic venue.

“So before we begin, I would like to ask that we observe one minute of silence ... We shall not forget them.”

After the minute of silence, the star launched into a string of hits.

Laura Sanchez, 41, who travelled to Sting’s show from Cadiz in Spain, was one of the first people to take up a position in front of the stage.

“I come from Madrid and we also have a problem with terrorism. I think life must go on and continue.

“They want to stop us and no-one has the right to stop us,” she said.

Sarah Marrer, 18, from Lille, said it is important to “show that we’re not afraid”.