A pianist's spontaneous performance outside the Bataclan concert hall becomes one of the most shared responses to the Paris attacks
14 November 2015, 19:31 | Updated: 4 March 2022, 17:03
German pianist Davide Martello took to his piano after the attacks in the city which have left at least 129 people dead.
A video posted on social media of a musician, surrounded by journalists and members of the public, playing a piano outside the Bataclan concert hall, has become a powerful symbol of the response to Friday's attacks on Paris. Over 80 people were killed during a concert by rock band Eagles of Death Metal at the Bataclan on Friday night - one of several attacks by militants thought to be linked to Islamic State.
His solo performance of John Lennon's song 'Imagine' was captured on a number of cameras and mobile phones. It has since been viewed over 100,000 times on social media.
Reports on social media say German street pianist Davide Martello arrived with a portable piano on his bike, and after performing the song, became overwhelmed with emotion as he left.
Paris is still in a state of emergency following the late-night attacks on 13 November, which so far have left 129 dead and over 350 injured. Watch the pianist's performance below.
What a moment. Someone just cycled to the cordon by the Bataclan with a baby grand, played Imagine by John Lennon and left.
— John Simpson (@thejohnsimpson) November 14, 2015
