The Eagles of Death Metal were playing at La Bataclan in Paris on Friday night when the tragic events of that evening began to unfold. By the time the time it was over about 100 people were dead and the band and concert goers, along with the rest of Paris, were left reeling.
Based on the name alone it is easy to assume that fans that night were enjoying a riot of deep, raw vocalizations paired with lightning fast guitar riffs prior to their world changing. In truth, the California band has a solid rock sound that will remind listeners of Queens Of The Stone Age and are not about death and anger. The overall philosophy of the band seems to be about rock and roll, good times, and a sense of humor. Band member Jesse Hughes laid it all out in their September Rolling Stone interview:
“We kind of have a rule with Eagles of Death Metal that it’s the fun show, and we want everyone to belong. You know that kind of attitude where it’s like, ‘If you’re wearing a Clash T-shirt, you’d better be into the Clash of ’81’? We don’t care if you just got into the Clash yesterday, as long as you’re here.”
The band released their latest album in October, the first in seven years.
Then came Paris and La Bataclan.
There were anxious reports coming out at first that band members were killed. Those reports did prove to be false. In the wake of the tragic events others in the music business have taken action. U2, The Foo Fighters, Coldplay, and The Deftones have all cancelled live streaming events, live specials, or tour dates. The Deftones were scheduled to appear at La Bataclan for the next three nights and were at the Eagles of Death Metal show.
It is difficult to imagine what thoughts and emotions the band may be experiencing after Friday night. Along with being the survivors of an horrific event, they also are a group of guys who were just trying to do their jobs and bring music into the lives of others. Thoughts and prayers abound for Paris and for those at La Bataclan last night. But thoughts and prayers also abound for a band from California whose night took a turn that won’t soon be forgotten.
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