Eagles of Death Metal on Paris Attacks: ‘Love Overshadows Evil’
Eagles of Death Metal have issued a new statement about their well-being and the tragic events of last week’s terrorist attack at Bataclan that claimed the lives of 89 people.
“While the band is now home safe, we are horrified and still trying to come to terms with what happened in France,” they wrote. “Our thoughts and hearts are first and foremost with our brother, [merch manager] 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. … Vive la musique, vive la liberté, vive la France, and vive EODM.”
In addition to the statement, the group confirmed that all Eagles of Death Metal concerts are currently “on hold” until further notice.
A reported 89 people died at Paris’ Bataclan venue Friday night when assailants opened fire on the crowd and took more than 100 people hostage. The attackers, associated with ISIS, coordinated several attacks on the city that night, leaving an estimated 129 dead in total.
Opening band White Miles have also issued their own statement about the attack. “We are happy, but miserable at the same time,” the duo wrote. “Happy, because we are back with our families, who help immensely to make us feel safe again; miserable, because we know that many families have to mourn following the weekend. It goes without saying that our thoughts are with all victims and their relatives.”