Due to the terrorist attacks in Paris last Friday, for which IS/ISIS/ISIL has claimed responsibility, several bands have cancelled European tours. Eagles of Death Metal and U2 were two of the first to have cancelled several long awaited concerts at the behest of the French government as the country is currently in a state of emergency. Safety is obviously a concern for these rock stars as well, but all seem to be genuinely broken up over the tragedy.
The Eagles of Death Metal were almost through their sold out show at the Bataclan Concert Hall when it became a target of one of the coordinated terrorist attacks. "A spokesman for the California-based rockers said all band members were able to safely flee the venue." The group, which have since cancelled their European tour, sent their condolences to "all of the people involved in this tragic situation."
For those of you who have never heard Eagles of Death Metal, you can listen to one of their songs, "Complexity," below:
Even though the band members made it out of the ordeal relatively unscathed, their crew was not untouched. Nick Alexander, the band's merchandise manager, was at his post selling merchandise when the attack took place. Sadly, he did not make it out alive. He died at the age of 36.
Rolling Stone reports what Alexander's family had this to say on the subject of his death: "It is with huge sorrow that we can confirm that our beloved Nick lost his life at the Bataclan last night. Nick was not just our brother, son and uncle; he was everyone's best friend - generous, funny and fiercely loyal. Nick died doing the job he loved and we take great comfort in knowing how much he was cherished by his friends around the world. Thank you for your thoughts and respect for our family at this difficult time. Peace and light."
U2 also cancelled two shows they had lined up to play in Paris. One of the gigs which was to be broadcast live on HBO as part of their iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE tour on Saturday. When announcing they would not be moving forward with this particular part of the tour, U2 said, “We watched in disbelief and shock at the unfolding events in Paris and our hearts go out to all the victims and their families across the city tonight." The band issued a statement posted to its website, "We are devastated at the loss of life at the Eagles of Death Metal concert and our thoughts and prayers are with the band and their fans. And we hope and pray that all of our fans in Paris are safe.”
Other bands to cancel their European gigs include Foo Fighters, Motorhead and Cold Play. Foo Fighters had four more shows to play, one of which would have been held in France. Motorhead has rescheduled their France performance for January. Coldplay cancelled a scheduled live stream concert they were planning to play in Paris.
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