Eagles of Death Metal members appear with U2 on Paris stage
PARIS -- 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 theater 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.
It was the first time the Eagles of Death Metal band had 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!"
After the performance on Monday, the band posted a statement to Facebook alongside a photo expressing their gratitude to U2 and for the opportunity to return to Paris so quickly.
The bands then played the Patti Smith song "People Have the Power."
The Eagles of Death Metal singer 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."
Nick Alexander, 36, of Colchester, England, was working at the Bataclan concert hall the night of the attacks, as the merchandise manager for Eagles of Death Metal.
"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," the band said in a statement at the time.
After the attacks, Bono praised Eagles of Death Metal.
"We're very, very of course moved by the fact that our fellow troubadours, the Eagles of Death Metal, had such a hard time; they're an extraordinary talented band, they've been through the most ugly nightmare and they have been very graceful about it," Bono said.
U2's Dec. 7 show will broadcast on HBO.