Update (November 12): Sting opened his concert at Le Bataclan with “Fragile.” His 18-song set included two sets of encores and plenty of songs from the Police, including “Message in a Bottle,” “So Lonely” and “Every Breath You Take.” He addressed the crowd in French several times. (Watch several performance clips below.) His terrific new song, “I Can’t Stop Thinking About You,” was the evening’s third song. (See complete set list below.)
Our original story…
The Nov. 13, 2015, terrorist attack on the Bataclan concert venue in Paris that resulted in 89 deaths was one of the most horrifying news events of last year. The incident occurred during a performance by the American group Eagles of Death Metal and was widely reported around the world.
Now the Bataclan is set to reopen for the first time since that tragic day, one day short of the first anniversary of the incident, and classic rocker Sting is going to be on hand to help make it happen. The proceeds will be donated to two organizations supporting the victims of the attacks and their families.
Read BCB’s initial report on the attack at the Bataclan
An announcement on Sting’s website gives the following information:
“All revenue from the show will be donated to Life For Paris and 13 Novembre: Fraternité Verité.
“On November 12, Sting will perform an exclusive concert in Paris for the re-opening of the Bataclan. The artist will be joined by a 3-piece band including Dominic Miller (guitar), Vinnie Colauita (drums) and Rufus Miller (guitar) performing songs from his new album 57th & 9th.
“Sting says, ‘In re-opening the Bataclan, we have two important tasks to reconcile. First, to remember and honor 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. 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.’
Related: The Eagles of Death Metal resumed touring in the spring
Watch Sting’s opening number “Fragile”…
Sting November 12, 2016 Setlist:
Fragile
Message in a Bottle
I Can’t Stop Thinking About You
One Fine Day
50,000
Inshallah
Petrol Head
Down, Down, Down
Driven to Tears
Englishman in New York
Desert Rose
Every Breath You Take
Encore:
So Lonely
Walking on the Moon
Roxanne
Ain’t No Sunshine
Encore 2:
Next to You
The Empty Chair
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