Paris’ Bataclan music hall is a humble 1,500-seat venue steeped in musical history.
The likes of Jeff Buckley, enigmatic hitmaker Prince, Britpop band Oasis, heavy metal icons Metallica and contemporary crooner Ed Sheeran have all graced the stage.
Once a melodic temple to generations of concertgoers from across the globe, it is perhaps now tragically most well known as the deadliest site of the Paris terror attacks, where as at least 89 were killed.
“There was blood everywhere,” Denis Plaud, a survivor, told CNN. “Even people alive were covered in blood.”
In the ensuing chaos, people took to social platforms and almost immediately photographs surfaced from inside the venue. Innocent faces smiling back, ready for the weekend and in anticipation for a jubilant night of blues rock ahead. Or so they thought.
Soon videos were uploaded documenting the exact moment Eagles of Death Metal were interrupted mid-performance as gunmen stormed the venue and opened fire.
But now music lovers are refusing to allow the perpetrators of the attacks to triumph. Using #MonPlusBeauSouvenirDuBataclan — meaning “My Most Beautiful Memory of the Bataclan” — fans are reclaiming their beloved venue in the only way presently available — by posting their favorite gig memories on social platforms.
Thousands have taken to Twitter and Instagram to share their fondest memories and celebrate the venue they hold so dear.