'Tonight, we are all Parisians': Bono and U2 pay tribute to Paris terror victims during emotional performance in French capital as Eagles of Death Metal return for the first time since Bataclan attack

  • U2 frontman offered a tribute to Paris victims during the band's concert
  • Singer Bono told the energized crowd: 'Tonight, we are all Parisians'
  • The Irish rockers are playing shows rescheduled following the attack
  • It comes as Eagles of Death Metal have returned to Paris for the first time
  • The band were playing at the Bataclan hall when ISIS gunmen opened fire

By Thomas Burrows for MailOnline

Published: 15:01 EST, 6 December 2015 | Updated: 18:42 EST, 7 December 2015

U2's frontman Bono has paid tribute to the Paris terror attack victims in an emotional moment of solidarity during the band's performance in the French capital last night.

The Irish rockers played the first of two shows at the AccorHotels Arena which had been rescheduled after the attacks on November 13.

His tribute came as the Eagles of Death Metal returned to Paris for the first time since the Bataclan hall massacre which left 89 people dead.

'We stand together': U2 returned to Paris to perform their postponed gig in the wake of the terrorist attacks

'We stand together': U2 returned to Paris to perform their postponed gig in the wake of the terrorist attacks

'We are all Parisians': Bono led an emotionally-charged performance, adding 'There are few words to speak to the loss you are feeling in this city tonight'

The Irish rockers played the first of two shows at the AccorHotels Arena last night that had been rescheduled after the attacks on November 13

The Irish rockers played the first of two shows at the AccorHotels Arena last night that had been rescheduled after the attacks on November 13

Bono told French crowds at the stadium there were 'few words' to describe how the city felt in the wake of the atrocities in which 130 people were killed in total.

Bono wrapped himself in a French tricolor flag for the encore, where he sang a verse from French crooner Jacques Brel's 'Ne me quitte pas,' or 'Don't Leave Me.'

'We stand together with the families of those killed in Paris. We stand together with the families of those killed in San Bernardino,' he told the audience.

'We are all Parisians,' he continued. 'There are few words to speak to the loss you are feeling in this city tonight.'

Names of Paris attack victims were projected on a huge video screen in the arena on the east side of the French capital, not far from the site of the terrorists' rampage.

The AccorHotels Arena is on the banks of the Seine in the Bercy area, near the trendy 11th district, where terrorists targeted the Bataclan and pubs, cafes and restaurants.

He also extended his condolences to the 14 people killed in a mass shooting last week in California. 

Frontman Jesse Hughes returns to Paris for the first time since the terrorist attack at his band's concert at the Bataclan on November 13
Frontman Jesse Hughes returns to Paris for the first time since the terrorist attack at his band's concert at the Bataclan on November 13

Frontman Jesse Hughes returns to Paris for the first time since the terrorist attack at his band's concert at the Bataclan on November 13 

Following the atrocity, Hughes said he 'cannot wait to get back to Paris and play. Our friends went to see rock and roll and died. I want to go back there and live'

Following the atrocity, Hughes said he 'cannot wait to get back to Paris and play. Our friends went to see rock and roll and died. I want to go back there and live'

Hughes and the band touched down in Paris but U2 said they would not be performing during their rescheduled concert

Hughes and the band touched down in Paris but U2 said they would not be performing during their rescheduled concert

Eagles of Death Metal, which was largely unknown until the attacks, will resume its halted European tour in February

Eagles of Death Metal, which was largely unknown until the attacks, will resume its halted European tour in February

U2 helped the Eagles of Death Metal in the aftermath of the attacks, including buying the rockers new phones since theirs had been left inside the venue.

The Dubliners also provided counseling and offered them use of their plane.

But U2 dismissed rumours it would be joined on stage by the California band.  

On their website, the band said: 'We're back in Paris and it's great to be here. Some people have been saying that Eagles Of Death Metal will appear on stage with U2 tonight. This is not the case.' 

The band, deeply shaken by the appalling slaughter at their Bataclan gig, has said it wants to play again in Paris.

Mass confusion and panic overcame the venue when two gunmen stormed the concert on November 13 and fired indiscriminately at the helpless crowd.

The Bataclan has been closed since the massacre but the band have already said they want to return when it re-opens.

Eagles of Death Metal were formed in 1998 by Hughes and Joshua Homme. All band members escaped unhurt.

Bosses have vowed to re-open the Bataclan, which first opened in 1865, although it is not yet known when it will host events again. 

France remains in a state of emergency with thousands of police and soldiers guarding the streets of Paris.

Hughes at the front of the stage during the Eagles of Death Metal gig at the Bataclan - prior to the terror attack

Hughes at the front of the stage during the Eagles of Death Metal gig at the Bataclan - prior to the terror attack

The Eagles Of Death Metal will not play with U2 tonight at their gig at the AccorHotels Arena 

The Eagles Of Death Metal will not play with U2 tonight at their gig at the AccorHotels Arena 

Eagles of Death frontman on stage minutes before the two gunmen fired on the crowd, killing 89 

Eagles of Death frontman on stage minutes before the two gunmen fired on the crowd, killing 89 

 

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