The Bataclan Theatre hosted its first concert since the deadly Paris terror attacks in November 2015 on Saturday night, but since the concert reports have emerged that two members of Eagles Of Death Metal were denied entry to the venue.
AFP reports that EODM frontman Jesse Hughes and another member of the band were forced to leave Sting‘s concert at the Bataclan, which took place exactly one year after the terror attacks.
But in a statement to Billboard, Marc Pollack from Eagles Of Death Metal’s management said that Hughes “never even tried entering the club for Sting’s show.”
Hughes has been outspoken about the flaws of control since the attacks, and has said that he believes that French gun control failed to stop a single death at the Bataclan, and therefore “until nobody has guns everybody has to have them.” He has also insinuated in the past that Bataclan security knew something terrible was going to happen that night.
Bataclan’s co-owner Jules Frutos told AFP that he was sick of Hughes’ conspiracy theories. “They came, I threw them out — there are things you can’t forgive,” he said.
“He makes these incredibly false declarations every two months,” Frutos said. “It is madness, accusing our security of being complicit with the terrorists. Enough. Zero. This has to stop.”
Pollack explained that Hughes wasn’t in Paris for the concert, but to remember the tragic event a year ago with his family and friends.
“This day is not about Jesse Hughes or Eagles of Death Metal,” said Pollack. “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.”
During the concert itself Sting spoke about the significance of the reopening of the venue. “We’ve got two important things to do tonight,” he said. “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.”
Watch: Eagles Of Death Metal Discuss Paris Terror Attacks