RUDOLF SCHENKER Says It Was 'Important' For SCORPIONS To Play Paris After Terror Attacks

German hard rock veterans SCORPIONS performed in Paris, France on November 24, marking the first time the band has played the city since an extremist group orchestrated a terror attack on Paris that left 130 dead.

The sold-out concert at the Bercy arena included an emotional moment when SCORPIONS drummer James Kottak beat the rhythm of the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise", which the crowd sang a capella.

Speaking to Christian Platz of Agentinnen.net, SCORPIONS guitarist Rudolf Schenker stated about the band's decision to carry on their French tour (see video below): "I mean, for us, we called the promoter, the French promoter, and asked him what he thinks. And he said the people will go to the concert. Maybe five percent [will decide against] coming [to the gig] because [of continued terror threats] and stuff like this, but it would be very important if we go back to a normal life. And also, for us, it was important to please our fans. Because, we said, 'Okay, after this tragedy, we have to stick together and music is a bridge which can help people to overcome this tragedy.' It was like that — people were singing together. And it was not an easy decision, but, for us, it was important, especially [since] we have a very strong connection to France and [we wanted] to please [the fans] and be there. It was an amazing concert, and also Strasbourg and Lille, all the French concerts were fantastic. The people are looking for a new future and they wanna really go over it. And I think music is the best bridge to help people, and that's what we felt when we played there."

SCORPIONS singer Klaus Meinetold DPA ahead of the concert: "Our France tour is overshadowed by these sad and terrible events. Of course we're also here to deal with the situation... this tragedy, respectfully."

He added: "We all feel threatened, we all feel attacked. This has hurt all of us."

However, he explained that people shouldn't live their lives on the knife's edge, somehow persuaded that a terrorist's bomb or bullet has their name on it.

"It's a rock show," he said. "We simply want to have a wicked night with our fans and make a statement in favor of life."

The new fully authorized SCORPIONS documentary "Forever And A Day" wrapped up its theatrical run and will come to DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms on November 27 (in German with English subtitles). The movie takes a look at the German hard-rock legends' long career, while focusing on the band's "Final Sting" trek, which initially was intended to be a farewell tour.

SCORPIONS recently completed the 2015 U.S. leg of their 50th-anniversary tour, which also is in support of their latest studio album, "Return To Forever".

Interview:

Performance footage: