A few days ago VICE media teased a live interview with Eagles of Death Metal’s Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme, the band’s first public statements since the November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 129 people. Included in that number were 89 music fans at the Bataclan, where Hughes was leading Eagles Of Death Metal on the California band’s latest tour stop through Europe to support October LP Zipper Down (Homme was not on this recent tour with the group).
While we await the full interview from VICE, Eagles of Death Metal drummer Julian Dorio, a Nashvillian drummer who also plays in Georgia rock band the Whigs, made a public statement today through his personal Instagram account. The message is accompanied by Dorio inside a church.
“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,” Dorio writes. “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.”
Dorio’s words give added detail to the rampage: “I’m home safe,” he adds. “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.”
And that show, cut short by unimaginable violence, now represents something incomplete. And Dorio vows to return.
“I’m counting down the days until I get to finish that concert,” Dorio writes. “Peace & love.✌????️❤️???????? #prayforparis #bataclan #eodm”