U2 Offers Stage To Eagles Of Death Metal, Who Had Been Playing When Paris Attacks Occurred
U2 has always been known for their humanitarian efforts. Last Monday night, they rose to the occasion once again, holding a concert at the Bataclan, the venue at which ninety people were gunned down in the terrorist attacks that happened just weeks ago. CNN reports that at the concert, U2 graciously welcomed Eagles of Death Metal to their stage, the band that was performing when the Paris attacks occurred.
“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.”
Here is a clip of Bono’s introduction.
After their performance at the U2 concert, the Eagles of Death Metal tweeted their thanks and posted a thank you on their Facebook page.
Our heartfelt thanks to @U2 & the wonderful people of Paris tonight: https://t.co/WW5YJ65zTh Photo: @Bruno_Fraioli pic.twitter.com/YWUHpE0RGg
— EaglesOfDeathMetal (@EODMofficial) December 7, 2015
“We want to offer our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for everything our brothers in U2 did for us in the aftermath of the November 13 attacks. They reminded us that the bad guys never take a day off, and therefore we rock ‘n’ rollers cannot either… and we never will. We are incredibly grateful to U2 for providing us the opportunity to return to Paris so quickly, and to share in the healing power of rock ‘n’ roll with so many of the beautiful people — nos amis — of this great city.”
U2 responded in kind.
.@EODMofficial @Bruno_Fraioli We lent you our stage, but you owned it. Thank YOU @EODMofficial #U2forParis
— U2 (@U2) December 8, 2015
Just a few months ago, the Los Angeles Times spoke with U2 and they talked about being able to remain relevant and useful as a band.
“When we talk about staying relevant, that’s what we’re trying to maintain — that this music is still useful. And that we as a band are still useful.”
Recently, the New York Times interviewed U2 and the band talked about the relevance of their music from back in the 1980s, in light of the Paris attacks, and how they knew they needed to get back on the stage in Paris as soon as possible after the attacks.
“Terrorism relies on people being terrorized, and we were not going to be. We felt the biggest and the only real contribution we can make at moment like that is to honor the people of Paris, who brought us the concept of liberté, égalité, fraternité.”
They also spoke about rock ‘n’ roll as a life cult, as an act of defiance in the face of terrorism.
“ISIS and these kinds of extremists are a death cult. We’re a life cult. Rock ‘n’ roll is a life force, and it’s joy as an act of defiance. That’s what U2 is. That’s at the very heart of our band. More importantly in this case, it’s the very heart of our audience. I can now already hear that we will be drowned out by that French crowd. And that’s powerful.”
The Irish Times reports that the Jesse Hughes, lead singer for the Eagles of Death Metal, was anxious to go back to Paris after the attacks, despite the fact that the band’s manager, Nick Alexander was one of the victims.
“I cannot wait to get back to Paris. I cannot wait to play. I want to come back. I want to be the first band to play in the Bataclan when it comes back up. Because I was there when it went silent for a minute. Our friends went there to see rock ‘n’ roll and died. I want to go back there and live.”
And just hours ago, Eagles of Death Metal announced that their rescheduled European tour will begin in February, 2016.
Thank goodness for those who defy the terrorists and show them that they cannot keep the people of Paris or the world paralyzed with fear. U2 and the Eagles of Death Metal have sent a strong message.
[Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images]
