Sting played first Le Bataclan show since Paris attacks; EoDM manager denies Jesse Hughes was kicked out of the show

Today (11/13) marks the one-year anniversary of the horrific attacks in Paris where 139 people died, including 89 people at Le Bataclan where The Eagles of Death Metal were performing. On Saturday night (11/12), Le Bataclan reopened its doors with a concert from Sting.”We’ve got two important things to do tonight,” Sting said in French. “First, to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the attacks a year ago and to celebrate the life and the music of this historic venue.” The singer performed both Police and solo songs, as well as holding a moment of silence for the victims.

Not at Le Bataclan show: EoDM frontman Jesse Hughes who Bataclan co-director Jules Frutos claims was kicked out of the event over Hughes’ statements implying that the venue’s security was in on the attacks. (Hughes later apologized but then said similar things in another interview). “They came, I threw them out—there are things you can’t forgive,” Frutos said. “He makes these incredibly false declarations every two months. It is madness, accusing our security of being complicit with the terrorists… Enough. Zero. This has to stop.”

EoDM manager Marc Pollack, however, told Billboard that, while Hughes and another band member were in Paris Saturday night, they were not in the club:

“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. Jesse never even tried entering the club for Sting’s show tonight.”

Billboard reports that Hughes was seen outside Le Bataclan that night, but adds that security was incredibly tight and no-one could get in without a ticket. An insider told them that Jesse Hughes stopped by to take in the scene but had no intentions of trying to get into the show.