A year after the bloody massacre of concert-goers at the Bataclan in Paris – the concert hall reopened with Sting’s “Fragile” with thousands of spectators tearing up as the world faces a new world order uncertain what lies next in the protracted war against terror.
Sting, the teacher-turned- singer, followed it up with “Message in a Bottle” from the “Synchronicity” album of his former band The Police, the 5th and final studio album of the English rock band.
But organizers led by Bataclan co-director Jules Frutos barred the US group Eagles of Death Metal from entering the Bataclan where 130 concert-goers have died in the hands of jihadists in November 13, 2015.
“They came, I threw them out….there are things you can’t forgive,” said Frutos.
Jesse Hughes, frontman of the Eagles of Death Metal had claimed Muslim security men were complicit in the Bataclan attack. Hughes also said Muslims were celebrating outside during during the siege.
“He makes these incredibly false declarations every two months. It is madness, accusing our security of being complicit with the terrorists.”
Before singing “Fragile” Sting paused briefly and said: “First to remember those who lost their lives in the attack, and then to celebrate life and music in this historic place.”
Sting has described his Bataclan appearance as “the toughest gig in rock.” The concert went peacefully with heavy security in and out of the Bataclan.
“If blood will flow when flesh and steel are one On and on the rain will fall
Drying in the colour of the evening sun
Tomorrow’s rain will wash the stains away
But something in our minds will always stay
Perhaps this final act was meant
To clinch a lifetime’s argument
That nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could
For all those born beneath an angry star
Lest we forget how fragile we are
Like tears from a star like tears from a star
On and on the rain will say
How fragile we are how fragile we are”
“Fragile,” Sting