Almost two weeks after horror descended on the Bataclan Theatre where The Eagles of Death Metal were playing in Paris, drummer Julian Dorio has spoken out for the first time, promising to return and finish the concert that was cut tragically short.
The drummer posted a photo on Instagram of him lighting a candle at the Cathedral of Notre Dame with an emotional caption below:
“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”
Since the attacks, the group has been dealing with the deaths of their merchandise manager Nick Alexander, and several of their crew. They have described the horrors of the night to VICE in an interview that will air sometime next week. They told of how several people were killed in their dressing room, and how so many people died because they refused to leave their friends and family.
Meanwhile, attacks in Syria have escalated with increased bombing from France as Belgium and France remain in a state of lockdown with the threat of a terrorist attack deemed imminent.