Photo by Philip Cosores
On Saturday night, Sting performed at the Paris’ Bataclan, which opened its doors for the first time since last year’s tragic terrorist attacks. One person who wasn’t in attendance? Eagles of Death Metal singer Jesse Hughes.
According to Paris news reporter Katy Lee, Hughes and another member were denied entrance into the venue “for his claim Muslim staff were involved in [the] attack.” She even quoted Bataclan co-founder Jules Frutos who said, “They came, I threw them out — there are things you can’t forgive.”
Update: EODM’s manager Marc Pollack denies that Hughes was kicked out of the venue, telling Billboard that he “never even tried entering the club for Sting’s show.”
“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.”
Although this should come as a surprise, given that Eagles of Death Metal were performing during the attacks — events they’ll soon chronicle with a forthcoming documentary — this isn’t the first time the band has been turned away by French promoters.
Back in May, both the Rock en Seine and Cabaret Vert festivals canceled their appearances following Hughes comments to Libertarian webzine Taki’s Magazine. “I saw Muslims celebrating in the street during the attack,” Hughes explained. “I saw it with my own eyes. In real time! How did they know what was going on? There must have been coordination.”
Hughes has since apologized for his remarks. Nevertheless, the Bataclan is now open and will host Pete Doherty for back-to-back nights later this week. Because, you know, that guy hasn’t done anything polarizing at all over the past few years.
