‘I didn’t want to be afraid’: How the music community rallied together in the wake of the Bataclan attack

The music community rallied together in the wake of the 2015 Paris terror attacks, particularly following the massacre at the Bataclan Theatre, to assert that fear would not triumph. This effort began with Sting’s emotional reopening concert at the Bataclan exactly one year after the attacks, which aimed to honor victims and survivors while celebrating the venue’s return. Sting performed a curated set, emphasizing respect and unity, and included musicians of Arab origin in his performance as a statement against the attack’s broader impact on the city. Further demonstrating this resilience, musician Pete Doherty performed at the Bataclan shortly after Sting. His guitarist, Jack Jones, who had read poetry in tribute to Nick Alexander, a British victim who was the merchandise manager for the band playing during the attack, felt a profound connection to the event. Jones highlighted the music community's shared responsibility to "carry on" and keep the spirit of live music alive. Zoe Alexander, Nick Alexander's sister, played a significant role in the aftermath, initially making headlines with her message of forgiveness. She attended Sting's concert, motivated by a desire not to be afraid, and has continued to engage with the music community’s efforts to move forward. The Nick Alexander Music Tru... download the app to read more