Eagles of Death Metal, the Palm Desert, California band who was performing at the Bataclan during Friday's terror attacks on the city of Paris, released a statement via Facebook earlier this afternoon. In it, the band expresses grief for the deceased while thanking the various government agencies involved in securing the horrific scene. The group also announced that all of its future shows are cancelled "until further notice." (Full text below.)
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.
Several fans who were present during the attacks have since posted in the comments of the statement, sharing their harrowing tales. In many ways, you could call the events of November 13 an attack not just on a place, but on the very culture of its people. Still, a common theme presents itself throughout these responses: a love of music, and a refusal to let this terroristic act change their way of life. "I can't wait to be at your next show!!" one commenter says. "THEY DID NOT WIN"
Read on for more. Vive la France. Vive la musique.
