Eagles of Death Metal return to Bataclan, share Paris stage with U2
The 2 bands joined to sing Patti Smith's People Have the Power
Members of the California rock band Eagles of Death Metal have made a surprise return to a Paris stage during a concert by U2, less than a month after suicide bombers stormed the band's Nov. 13 gig at the Bataclan theatre and killed 89 people.
U2 on Monday night was playing the last of four concerts in Paris. The last two shows had been postponed when France announced a state of emergency following the attacks that killed 130 people.
These are our brothers. Our fellow troubadours. They were robbed of their stage three weeks ago, and we would like to offer them ours tonight.- Bono
It was the first time the Eagles of Death Metal performed since the attacks, which band members escaped under harrowing circumstances. The band, though deeply shaken, has said it wanted to play again in Paris.
Just before the band emerged Monday night, U2 frontman Bono said there was "nothing left except to introduce you to some people whose lives will forever be a part of this city of Paris. These are our brothers. Our fellow troubadours. They were robbed of their stage three weeks ago, and we would like to offer them ours tonight. Would you welcome the Eagles of Death Metal!"
The bands then played the Patti Smith song People Have the Power.
Eagles singer Jesse Hughes then said, "We love you too, so much for giving us this opportunity. I look around and what do I see, nos amis, our friends. I f—-ing love you guys so hard, and I will never stop rocking and rolling."
Sombre visit to Bataclan
On Tuesday, members of the California rock band revisited the ravaged Paris theatre where they survived a massacre by Islamic extremist suicide bombers.
Solemn and silent, they came to the now-shuttered Bataclan theatre in eastern Paris, whose facade has become a shrine to the at least 89 people killed inside. Band members laid flowers at the site under a persistent December rain, some embracing as they stared at the wreaths, notes and banners heaped in mourning and tribute.
Singer Hughes covered his face, overcome with emotion, as he paced pack and forth. Drummer Julian Dorio wiped away tears.
On that fateful Friday night, the band members dispersed to escape the carnage, one running upstairs, others slipping out a side door. They all ended up at the police station.
Drummer Julien Dorio said in an emotional interview with Vice and HBO that he "bailed off my stool" with the initial shots.
"I saw two guys out front, and that might be the most awful thing ever, is them relentlessly shooting into the audience," he said.