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Sting to reopen Bataclan concert hall day after anniversary

Sting, who will be re-opening the Bataclan concert hall. Picture by Matt Crossick, Press Association
Sting, who will be re-opening the Bataclan concert hall. Picture by Matt Crossick, Press Association Sting, who will be re-opening the Bataclan concert hall. Picture by Matt Crossick, Press Association

ROCK star Sting will be reopening the Bataclan concert hall, a day before the anniversary of the Paris terrorist attacks.

The British singer (65) will take to the stage at the venue, where scores were killed last year, on November 12.

Islamic extremist suicide bombers stormed into the concert hall as US rock band Eagles Of Death Metal performed on November 13 last year, while attacks also targeted cafes and a stadium around Paris.

The suicide bombers killed 89 people at the concert hall, while others hid or lay motionless for hours until a police raid ended the siege.

Sting said: "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."

The former frontman of The Police added: "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."

All revenue from the show will be donated to Life For Paris and 13 Novembre: Fraternite Verite. The singer will be joined by a three-piece band, performing songs from his new album 57th & 9th.