Eagles of Death Metal BARRED from Bataclan as terror attack venue reopens with Sting concert a year
EAGLES of Death Metal frontman Jesse Hughes was banned from the Bataclan on Saturday when he tried to attend the venue's emotional first concert since it was attacked by terrorists.
A Bataclan boss told Mr Hughes and his manager they were "not welcome" inside, where Sting was performing a reopening show on the eve of the first anniversary of the atrocity.
Mr Hughes' rock band were headlining at the 150-year-old venue on November 13 last year, when it was targeted by Islamic extremist suicide bombers who killed 89 people.
But last night Bataclan authorities turned away the pair at the door, who did not have tickets for Sting's gig, because of comments the Eagles of Death Mental frontman had said about venue security.
Bataclan co-director Jules Frutos told news agencies : "They came, I threw them out... there are things you can't forgive.
RELATED STORIES
"They tried to enter the venue and they are persona non grata. They are not welcome after what he said about the security."
Referring to Hughes, Mr Frutos said: "Even if he came back on what he said. I mean this man is just sick. That's all."
Earlier this year Hughes was forced to apologise for suggesting that the massacre was an inside job helped by the theatre's Muslim staff and that he saw Muslims in the hall celebrating.
He told the Fox Business network in March that six guards at the Bataclan never came to work on the night of the atrocity, adding: "it seems obvious that they had a reason not to show up."
Afterwards in a statement he said: "I humbly beg forgiveness from the people of France, the staff and security of the Bataclan, my fans, family, friends, and anyone else hurt or offended by the absurd accusations I made.
"My suggestions that anyone affiliated with the Bataclan played a role in the events of November 13 are unfounded and baseless - and I take responsibility for them."
My Frutos said the band's attitude shows "no respect for the victims".
He also accused the heavy metal band of using the horrific terror attacks for "promotion", asking: "Who did know about this band before?"
According to the band's manager Marc Pollack, however, Mr Hughes had "never even tried entering the club for Sting's show."
In a statement he said: "This day is not about Jesse Hughes or Eagles of Death Metal.
"In fact, Jesse is in Paris to share in remembering the tragic events of a year ago with his friends, family and fans.
An armed security unit was on watch at the Bataclan's opening night
"This is about recalling the tragic loss of life that happened right in front of his eyes during his show, and this coward Jules Frutos feels the need to soil his own club's reopening by spreading false tales to the press, and tainting a wonderful opportunity that could've been used to spread peace and love, to further spread mean spirited words of hate."
But in last night's moving show former Police frontman Sting solely concentrated on the victims of the massacre.
After a minute's silence he told the audience: "We will not forget them".
There was a heavy police presence outside the theatre as revellers made their way in and floral tributes were laid outside.
Aurelien Perrin, who survived the attack last year, attended the gig, saying: "it's important to finally finish a concert that was never allowed to end."
He added: "I came alone tongiht. It's very emotional, as I keep getting flashbacks of that night."
Money from the show will be donated to two charities supporting the families of victims.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368