Dayton band vows return one year after Paris attacks

It was to become the best disappointment of their lives.

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The Bataclan became a war zone, with dozens of innocent concertgoers being gunned down by terrorists, who took positions on the theatre’s mezzanine level. In all, 89 people were killed at the venue as part of a series of attacks that claimed 137 lives, seven of those being attackers.

Zapp found themselves surrounded by chaos.

Credit: Nick Graham

Credit: Nick Graham

“When we got (to Paris), it was so genuine with positive energy, so much love in the air,” band member Thomas Troutman said at the time. “Then after the attack happened, it was heavy sadness.”

The band’s show was cancelled and the group was grateful to make it home safely. But a year later, with the world’s political climate so uncertain and the wounds still fresh for many, Zapp say they’re undaunted.

"The people in Paris—they wanted to see us. We're going to make good on that show," member Lester Troutman Sr. promised. "It's like (late lead singer) Roger (Troutman) said: So rough. So tough."

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Zapp’s management is currently working on finalizing a return trip to Paris, which Lester Troutman believes will happen later next year.

“I don’t feel scared,” Lester Troutman said. “Seeing how the world is today, and seeing how close we were to the violence, it makes me proud that I’m a praying man.”

Even as the band was hours from traveling to Texas to play for audiences this weekend, Lester Troutman said the group — which continues to wave the Dayton funk flag proudly in its fifth decade — feel they owe French audiences no less.

“We have a job to do, and the people want a show and to forget about all their troubles for a couple hours. We understand the risk that we take,” he said.