Sting concert to reopen Paris' Bataclan venue day before attack anniversary

PARIS, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Sting announced a concert inside Paris' Bataclan concert hall a day before the first anniversary of a terror attack that killed 130 people.

The gig will reopen the venue after a trio of Islamic State gunman opened fire on concert goers enjoying a performance from U.S. rock band Eagles of Death Metal last November. Eighty-nine people were killed inside the venue, and dozens mores at other locations throughout the city.

"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 theater represents," Sting said in a statement on his website Thursday.

"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," he continued.

The concert is set to take place Nov. 12. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, with proceeds being donated to charities working with victims of the Paris attacks, including Life for Paris and 13 Novembre: Fraternite Verite.

Sting performed at the concert hall in 1979 while on tour with The Police.

The Bataclan has struggled to attract big names to perform there following the attack, The Guardian reported, but now it has performances lined up for November following Sting's appearance, including shows from Libertines singer Peter Doherty and Senegalese star Youssou N'Dour.