Eagles Of Death Metal To Finish Bataclan Set

Survivors and relatives of the victims of the Paris shootings will attend the emotionally-charged gig at the Olympia in Paris.

08:08, UK, Tuesday 16 February 2016

Video: Paris Survivors Ready To Finish Gig

By Tom Parmenter, Sky News Correspondent

Survivors of the Bataclan theatre massacre are ready to "finish" their gig when Eagles of Death Metal play in Paris later.

The concert comes three months after 90 people were shot dead by terrorists as the American band played on stage.
A further 99 concert goers were seriously injured at the Bataclan theatre as venues across Paris came under attack from IS militants on 13 November last year.

The Olympia music hall where the concert is being held

Survivor Lydia Berkennou, 27, from west London, who was watching the band at the time, told Sky News: "To me it was obvious that this gig needed to be finished and the right way this time.
"It will help me move forward and it is a big step, one thing that may help me close the door behind me.

Video: Paris Attack Couple Speak

"Some of us, can (still) hear the bullets, the sound, the smell, the view - every time I see something bloody the images come back.
The support group Life for Paris, which was set up in the wake of the attacks, has reported many survivors struggling to understand how to access help.
Psychologist Asma Guenifi, who has worked with around 50 people caught up in the attacks, told Sky News the way victims of terrorism are treated has to improve.
"I think unfortunately there is a lot more to do," she said.
"Give them one phone number to call and that is something that there needs to be - one phone number victims can call."

Video: Film Shows Packed Concert Hall

She hopes the appointment last week of a Secretary of State for Victim Support in France will help improve the system there.
The Eagles of Death Metal comeback gig will be held at the Olympia venue in Paris, a few miles from the Bataclan, which is still closed.
Doors will open at the Olympia earlier than usual to allow survivors time within the venue and extra medical teams will be on standby throughout the night.
"I think we are all going to cry, it will be very emotional, very scary, I know we are trying to have doctors in there in case people feel bad," said Lydia.
The band appeared on stage with U2 in Paris in December but very tight security is expected for the full comeback gig.

Video: Emotional Return For Bataclan Band

Lydia is among the many survivors who have decided they want to attend the event as well as relatives of some of those who lost their lives.
In an earlier statement the band said: "Not returning to finish our set was never an option."
Lydia added: "I know they are really excited about it. I have talked to them, they are ready, they have waited...like we have waited.
"I hope they will see happy faces and not the last image they saw which was the guy coming in and trying to kill us."
Last week, the Bataclan theatre management team vowed to renovate and reopen the venue by the end of 2016.

Share on Google Plus