Eagles of Death Metal release Paris statement, charity campaign

During last Friday’s terror attacks in Paris, one of the locations affected was the Bataclan, at which the American rock band Eagles of Death Metal were performing.

While the band themselves were unharmed, 89 people lost their lives at the venue, including  their merchandise man Nick Alexander, several members of their crew and support staff and three individuals from their record company. As a result of this, the band has ceased touring until further notice, the band having only played 11 gigs of a scheduled 32-city European tour.

In a newly-released statement, the Eagles of Death Metal expressed their shock and devastation caused by the tragic event:

“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.”

On his Facebook page, the band’s bassist Matt McJunkins released his own individual statement thanking any who had given support in the aftermath of the horror that took place:

“Love you guys! And to everyone who’s reached out and offered help, sent us thoughts, love, and their prayers, I will always be thankful for that. It’s meant so much through this chaos. I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful we are for your support. Much love. #peaceforparis #eodm”

Since the attack, fans of the band have launched a social media campaign to get the band’s latest track, a cover of Duran Duran’s “Save a Prayer”, to the top of the UK chart. Duran Duran have spoken out in support of this campaign, promising that all proceeds from the royalties will go to charity:

“We are honoured that the Eagles of Death Metal covered ‘Save A Prayer,’ and included it on their most recent album. “In fact, it was a thrill playing the song together recently on TFI Friday in London.

We bumped into the band on Friday afternoon of last week, when we were all on our way to Paris on the Eurostar. We were opening Al Gore’s Climate Change concert broadcast there, and they were playing at the Bataclan. What happened that night defies any kind of comprehension. The tragedy that unfolded at their show, and around the city, brought immeasurable sadness to so many and shocked the world.

We wholeheartedly support the campaign that the fans have mounted to show solidarity to the band that they love. We will be donating all of our royalties from the sale of this version of the single. There are a number of causes under consideration, all of which are peaceful, effective and unifying.”

Those wishing to support the campaign can do so at the following links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eodmforno1

Facebook: iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/save-a-prayer/id1001319664?i=1001321220