An American rock band found itself at the center of the deadliest of Paris’ November 13 attacks when terrorists carrying automatic weapons and grenades stormed the sold-out Eagles of Death Metal performance at Le Bataclan. The band has since made it back to California, and has now released a statement about the horrific event on the EOD Facebook page.
While the members of the band were able to make it out safely, dozens of others — including members of their crew — weren’t so fortunate. More than 80 people were murdered at Le Bataclan, with another 200 injured. Among those killed were Nick Alexander, who handled the band’s merchandising, and three execs from EODM’s record label, Thomas Ayad, Marie Mosser, and Manu Perez, according to Variety.
In the statement, the band recognized the lives lost, as well as the citizens of Paris, and thanked French police, who had stormed the venue in hopes of rescuing hostages.
Understandably, EDOM has decided to put all shows on hold for the foreseeable future. The Paris concert had been part of a European tour after the release of their album Zipper Down last month, their first in seven years.
The band’s full statement reads:
While the band is now home safe, we are horrified and still trying to come to terms with what happened in France. Our thoughts and hearts are first and foremost with our brother Nick Alexander, our record company comrades Thomas Ayad, Marie Mosser, and Manu Perez, and all the friends and fans whose lives were taken in Paris, as well as their friends, families, and loved ones.
Although bonded in grief with the victims, the fans, the families, the citizens of Paris, and all those affected by terrorism, we are proud to stand together, with our new family, now united by a common goal of love and compassion.
We would like to thank the French police, the FBI, the U.S. and French State Departments, and especially all those at ground zero with us who helped each other as best they could during this unimaginable ordeal, proving once again that love overshadows evil.
All EODM shows are on hold until further notice.
Vive la musique, vive la liberté, vive la France, and vive EODM.
For those looking to help the people affected by the tragedy, the band Duran Duran recently announced on Facebook that it would donate all publishing proceeds from the sale of EODM’s cover of their song Save a Prayer to a charity that aids the people of France.
