Eagles of Death Metal Speak Out for First Time Since Paris Tragedy

Eagles of Death Metal, the California desert rock band whose show at Paris’s Le Bataclan concert hall became the center of an international tragedy last Friday, have released an offficial statement about the Paris terrorist attacks.

This is the first time that EoDM have taken to social media since last Friday, when they tweeted that they were still looking for all members of their crew and entourage. It was later revealed that their merchandise manager Nick Alexander, who is referenced in their statement below, was one of the 89 people killed at Le Bataclan.

EoDM’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.”

White Miles, an Australian alt-rock duo that opened for Eagles of Death Metal at Le Bataclan and also escaped the horrific scene, released their own statement Tuesday:

“We are back home since last Sunday, but would like to abstain from further interviews in public concerning the terror attack on the concert hall Bataclan at the moment.

"We are in good health, though the events are still too close, the impressions too touching. A member of our crew, who sold merchandise articles, was shot and killed. A good friend of ours has been shot, but blessedly he is on the way to recovery. It’s difficult for us to come to terms with the terrible incident.

"We are happy, but miserable at the same time. Happy, because we may be within our family circles, who immensely help us to feel safe again; miserable, because we know that many families have to mourn since the weekend.

"It goes without saying that our thoughts are with all victims and their relatives.

"Our live concerts with the Eagles of Death Metal are cancelled, as well as our headliner shows in Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. Our show in Innsbruck on December 17th will be played in remembrance of our lost friend Nick Alexander.”