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Eagles Of Death Metal Speak Out For First Time Since Paris Attack
Eagles Of Death Metal perform onstage during the first ever Jameson Petty Fest West at El Rey Theatre in 2012. (Photo by Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images For Jameson)
Eagles of Death Metal have just released their first public statement since the terrorist attack at Le Bataclan in Paris where gunmen killed over 80 people inside the venue where the band was performing.
In the statement, the Palm Desert band pays tribute to their “record company comrades” who died during last Friday's attack, including road crew member Nick Alexander, who was selling merchandise for the band in the concert hall. Other victims of the attack at Le Bataclan have been identified as employees of the band's label, Universal Music Group, Thomas Ayad and Marie Mosser, reports Newsweek. Former Universal employee Manu Perez was also among the 87 people killed at the concert hall. Members of the band managed to exit the building unharmed.
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.
The foundation was initially launched with the help of his father, Michael Homme, in 2013 to “help our musical community and their families with the vital elements often overlooked during periods of illness and disability,” according to their website. Until Dec. 31, they are extending that aim to include the families of music industry members who were among the victims in Paris, including Alexander.
“Since we have a foundation that’s in a place to help musicians ... we thought this could be something we could do to make a difference,” Michael Homme told The Press Enterprise.
The foundation is accepting tax deductible donations through their website, or by mail at P.O. Box 258, Palm Desert, CA 92261, through Dec. 31. After that date, Hommes plans to talk with those families that were affected and help determine how the funds can best meet their needs.
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