Eagles of Death Metal Drummer Recalls ‘Unimaginable’ Paris Attack

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Eagles of Death Metal’s touring drummer Julian Dorio recounted the “unimaginable” terrorist attacks in Paris, which claimed 89 lives at the band’s show at Bataclan, in an emotional post on Instagram.

Alongside a picture of himself lighting a candle at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Dorio wrote about playing to “one of the most energetic crowds of our tour when, nearly halfway through the show, the unimaginable occurred. Absolute and unnecessary evil turned our world on its head.”

While Dorio is safely back home, he expressed grief and offered thoughts for the families of those who died in the attacks, including Eagles of Death Metal’s merch manager, Nick Alexander. But Dorio also spoke of his “new family abroad,” including a man named Arthur, who helped usher the drummer and others into a taxi cab ahead of himself; and a fan named Fabrice who lent Dorio his phone so that he could call his wife.

“To everyone who, in the face of unrelenting evil, went toe to toe using courage, compassion, and love as their weapons,” Dorio wrote. “You all are my heroes.”

He concluded on a hopeful note: “I’m counting down the days until I get to finish that concert.”

Following the Paris attacks, Eagles of Death Metal canceled their remaining tour dates in support of their new album, Zipper Down. The band issued a statement on the tragic events, trumpeting “love overshadows evil” and “Vive la musique, vive la liberté, vive la France, and vive EODM.”

The Sweet Stuff Foundation, the charity started by EoDM co-founder and studio drummer, Josh Homme, is also seeking donations through December 31st to help the families of victims killed in the attacks.

 

November 13, 2015. I, along with my bandmates @eodmofficial, had the privilege to play to one of the most energetic crowds of our tour when, nearly half way through the show, the unimaginable occurred. Absolute and unnecessary evil turned our world on its head. I am beyond grateful that I was able to find a way out of the venue, but I am mourning those who did not, including our mate, Nick Alexander. My thoughts are with their families. I’m home safe. And now I have a new family abroad. To Arthur, who ran for his life right beside me and selflessly put us in a taxi before himself, thank you. To Fabrice, a fan who lent me his phone later that night so I could call @emilydorio and attempt to put her at ease, thank you. To everyone who, in the face of unrelenting evil, went toe to toe using courage, compassion, and love as their weapons. You all are my heroes. Last but certainly not least, the outreach and support back home is appreciated more than you’ll ever know. I will never forget it. I am forever changed but hold fast to the love around us. I’m counting down the days until I get to finish that concert. Peace & love. #prayforparis #bataclan #eodm

A photo posted by Julian Dorio (@coolranchdorio) on Nov 24, 2015 at 5:21am PST