This morning, Eagles of Death Metal issued their first public statement since last Friday regarding that day's terrorist attack on their concert at Le Bataclan theater in Paris. At least 89 people lost their lives at the theater, including the band's merch manager, Nick Alexander, and several employees of their French record company, Mercury Records. Another 40 people were killed across the city on Nov. 13 in a series of coordinated attacks.

The statement, issued via Facebook and a press release, reads as follows:

“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 U.S. 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.

“All EODM shows are on hold until further notice.

“Vive la musique, vive la liberté, vive la France and vive EODM.”

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