Paris attacks: Eagles of Death Metal describe the 'unimaginable ordeal' of Bataclan massacre

Members of the US rock group the Eagles of Death Metal have said they are still horrified at the mass shooting that occurred during their performance at the Bataclan in Paris on 13 November, but said they were proud to "stand together with our new family".

More than 80 people were killed during the terrorist attack at the gig, including the band's merchandise manager Nick Alexander and its "record company comrades" Thomas Ayad, Marie Mosser and Manu Perez.

In the first public statement since the Paris attacks, which killed at least 129 people, the band said: "While the band is now home safe, we are horrified and still trying to come to terms with what happened in France. Our thoughts and hearts are first and foremost with our brother Nick Alexander, our record company comrades Thomas Ayad, Marie Mosser, and Manu Perez, and all the friends and fans whose lives were taken in Paris, as well as their friends, families, and loved ones.

"Although bonded in grief with the victims, the fans, the families, the citizens of Paris, and all those affected by terrorism, we are proud to stand together, with our new family, now united by a common goal of love and compassion.

"We would like to thank the French police, the FBI, the US and French State Departments, and especially all those at ground zero with us who helped each other as best they could during this unimaginable ordeal, proving once again that love overshadows evil.

"Vive la musique, vive la liberté, vive la France, and vive EODM."

A campaign has been set up by fans of the group – the only permanent members of which are Jesse Hughes and Queens of the Stone Age singer Josh Homme – to get its cover version of Duran Duran's Save A Prayer to number one.

According to the Official Charts Company, the single rose 52 places this week and was placed at No 44 on 17 November, ahead of the official week's chart announcement on 20 November.