Eagles Of Death Metal singer 'barred from Bataclan'
Victims are remembered but a war of words re-emerges after the band that was playing when jihadists struck are "turned away".
Sunday 13 November 2016 14:21, UK
Eagles Of Death Metal frontman Jesse Hughes is said to have been told he was "not welcome" at the Bataclan's emotional first concert since it was attacked by terrorists.
On Saturday night - the eve of the first anniversary of the atrocity - - but Jesse Hughes and his manager were not allowed in, according to Bataclan manager Jules Frutos.
Mr Frutos told several news agencies that the pair, who did not have tickets for Sting's gig, were turned away at the door.
He told the Press Association: "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."
Mr Frutos was referring to previous claims by Hughes that the attack was an inside job helped by the theatre's Muslim staff and that he saw Muslims in the hall celebrating.
Earlier this year Hughes apologised for suggesting that security guards were complicit in the attack.
He told the Fox Business Network in March that six guards at the Bataclan never came to work on the night of the attack, and "it seems rather 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 full responsibility for them."
According to the band's manager Marc Pollack, however, Hughes had "never even tried entering the club for Sting's show".
In a statement to music website Billboard, Mr Pollack 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.
"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."
Inside the concert hall, however, former Police frontman Sting was concentrating on his music and the 90 victims of the Bataclan massacre.
Following a minute's silence for the victims, he told the audience: "We will not forget them".
He began the gig with his song Fragile, singing: "Nothing comes from violence and nothing will."
There was a heavy police presence outside the theatre as revellers made their way in and candles and flowers were laid next to the venue.
Aurelien Perrin, who survived the attack, said he attended the gig "because it's important to finally finish a concert that was never allowed to end".
He said: "I came alone tonight. It's very emotional, as I keep getting flashbacks of that night."
Revenues from the show will be donated to two charities supporting families of victims.
The Bataclan is set to host two gigs by Libertines frontman Pete Doherty on 16 and 17 November, while Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour will play at the venue on 18 and 19 November.