Monday, November 23, 2015

Eagles of Death Metal, U2, Foo Fighters Open Up About Paris Attacks



Following the tragedy of November 13 in Paris, musicians like U2, Foo Fighters and Jarvis Cocker are paying tribute to the City of Lights, while Eagles of Death Metal tell the tale of tragedy.

Read: U2 Pay Tribute to Paris Victims

Cocker, the former Pulp frontman lives in the city and debuted the spoken word song "November 13, 2015," on his BBC radio show. The song features the lyrics:"I was going to bed, when a friend rang and told me to turn on the TV. I was worried about my son. I rang the friends house, but his parents were not home yet. They'd gone to the theatre. I didn't want to panic them. I listened to the radio through the night. In the morning, I rang the friends house, and my son had left to catch the metro half an hour earlier. I was worried. He arrived home. We went to buy a new phone and some trainers, but all the shops were closed. I ended up buying a book about Kate Bush."

Listen to Our French Mixtape

U2 are rescheduling two concerts they had in the area the weekend of the attacks. The concerts will be streamed on HBO. Bono said in a statement: "So much that was taken from Paris on the tragic night of November 13th is irreplaceable. For one night, the killers took lives, took music, took peace of mind - but they couldn’t steal the spirit of that city. It’s a spirit our band knows well and will try to serve when we return for the postponed shows on December 6th and 7th. We’re going to put on our best for Paris.”

Read: Bono Calls the Paris Shooting: 'First Direct Hit on Music'

Foo Fighters released a free EP called St. Cecilia, which fans can download on their website. In a letter to fans,  Dave Grohl said: "Now, there is a new, hopeful intention that, even in the smallest way, perhaps these songs can bring a little light into this sometimes dark world. To remind us that music is life, and that hope and healing go hand in hand with song. That much can never be taken away. To all who were affected by the atrocities in Paris, loved ones and friends, our hearts go out to you and your families. We will return and celebrate life and love with you once again someday with our music. As it should be done."

For the first time since an attack at their concert at Le Bataclan, Eagles of Death Metal are speaking out about the tragedy that killed 89 people inside the venue.

Read: Eagles of Death Metal Release Statement Follow Paris Massacre

Co-founder and singer Jesse Hughes sat next to bandmate and fellow co-founder Josh Homme, who was not at the concert, and recalled the events to Shane Smith of VICE. The full interview will air next week on Vice.com.