Sting Reopens Bataclan With First Performance Since Deadly Paris Attacks

Sting helped reopen the Bataclan music venue – which has been close because of the deadly 2015 Paris attacks – with a concert on Saturday night (November 12) in Paris, France.

The 65-year-old musician performed new songs off of his latest album – 57th & 9th – for the survivors of the attacks and their families, along with almost 1,000 other guests.

Back in November of 2015, a coordinated terrorist attack took place in Paris where over 130 people were killed and countless others were injured. The Bataclan was one of the places target during the attack, which has remained close until tonight.

During the performance, Sting spoke in French to the audience about remembering those who lost their lives during the tragedy.

“Tonight we have two important tasks. First remember and honor those who lost their lives in the attacks a year ago,” Sting said. “And second, to celebrate life and music in this historic venue. So before I begin I would like to start with a minute of silence. We will not forget them.”

Sting also dedicated his hit song “50,000″ to Lemmy, Motorhead‘s frontman, Leonard Cohen, and the Eagle‘s Glenn Frey – all of whom died in the the past year.

Sting took to his Instagram to share his speech and a pic of the concert.

Check out Sting‘s Instagram pic below.