The Eagles of Death Metal speak out in their first interview since the Paris attacks

This week, the Eagles of Death Metal sat down with VICE News and discussed the Paris attacks for the first time since the November 13 killings. The band was playing at the Bataclan in Paris on November 7, when gunmen entered the venue and opened fire, killing 89 and injuring many more.

In the interview, the band discussed the attacks and provided chilling insight into the shootings and explosions that rocked the historic theater. The packed concert was going incredibly well with many happy fans in the crowd — then the gunmen entered through the doors at the back of the venue.

The band was quite a distance away when the gunfire erupted, but Shawn London, the band’s sound engineer, was stationed near the back of the venue and had a clear view of the gunmen entering through the doors. One of the shooters fired at London, but he ducked and was not hurt. London exited the booth as the gunmen moved forward to the front of the venue, and escaped by breaking the front doors, which allowed many other fans to escape as well.

Unlike London, the band did not have a clear view of what was happening. After the first burst of gunfire, guitarist Eden Galindo said he “thought the PA was cracking,” but then quickly realized he was wrong.

“We weren’t sure if they were targeting us, or what was going on,” said Gallindo.

The band all ran offstage and split different ways, escaping through the back doors with many concert-goers. Drummer Julian Dorio immediately knew something was wrong, hit the ground, and crawled to safety.

Although the entire band escaped, merchandise manager Nick Alexander was killed in the attack.

“He stayed quiet and he didn’t cry for help until he bled out because he didn’t want anyone else to get hurt,” said Hughes.

Despite the horror they experienced, the band swears that they will continue to tour, play music, and entertain their fans. Hughes said that he wants to be the first band to play at the Bataclan when it reopens, and Dorio said that he wants the band to finish their concert from that night.

In a separate statement Dorio posted to Instagram, lamenting the “absolute and unnecessary evil” that visited the band and their fans that night.

“I am beyond grateful that I was able to find a way out of the venue, but I am mourning those who did not, including our mate, Nick Alexander. My thoughts are with their families,” he wrote.

November 13, 2015. I, along with my bandmates @eodmofficial, had the privilege to play to one of the most energetic crowds of our tour when, nearly half way through the show, the unimaginable occurred. Absolute and unnecessary evil turned our world on its head. I am beyond grateful that I was able to find a way out of the venue, but I am mourning those who did not, including our mate, Nick Alexander. My thoughts are with their families. I’m home safe. And now I have a new family abroad. To Arthur, who ran for his life right beside me and selflessly put us in a taxi before himself, thank you. To Fabrice, a fan who lent me his phone later that night so I could call @emilydorio and attempt to put her at ease, thank you. To everyone who, in the face of unrelenting evil, went toe to toe using courage, compassion, and love as their weapons. You all are my heroes. Last but certainly not least, the outreach and support back home is appreciated more than you’ll ever know. I will never forget it. I am forever changed but hold fast to the love around us. I’m counting down the days until I get to finish that concert. Peace & love.✌️❤️ #prayforparis #bataclan #eodm

A photo posted by Julian Dorio (@coolranchdorio) on Nov 24, 2015 at 5:21am PST

The band concluded their emotional interview by addressing their fans and thanking them for their love and support. While they’re currently taking a break after the trauma of Paris, they plan to hit the road again soon, “playing every night and seeing those smiling faces in the crowd. That’s what keeps us going.”

Watch, via VICE:

Featured image via YouTube