Paris terror attack: Eagles of Death Metal wants to be first act at Bataclan when it reopens

The rock band Eagles of Death Metal which was performing on stage at the Bataclan concert hall when three gunmen opened fire into the crowd, said that they want to be the first act to reopen the venue. The gunmen killed 89 people and wounded dozens more in the attack on 13 November. The Bataclan suffered the most fatalities in the attacks in Paris that evening.

Singer Jesse Hughes said that he "cannot wait to get back to Paris and play. Our friends went to see rock and roll and died. I want to go back there and live."

In the interview with Vice, the band described the horror of being in the music venue on the night of the attacks. "I want to be the first person to play in the Bataclan when it opens up," Hughes said.

All the band members escaped unhurt. The group's merchandise manager Nick Alexander however died during the attack. The 36-year-old Briton, was selling merchandise for the band when the attackers started shooting people.

Julian Dorio, the band's drummer, posted an image on Instagram showing him lighting a candle at Notre Dame cathedral. In a message, he thanked Arthur who selflessly "put us in a taxi before himself". He also thanked a fan called Fabrice who had lent him his mobile later that night to call Emily Dorio.

"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," he said.

Dorio continued in his Instagram post: "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. "

He ended the post with the following words: "I'm counting down the days until I get to finish that concert. Peace & love."