Emotions Run High as Eagles of Death Metal Return to Paris

Jordan Bailey

In one of the most tragic events in recent history, gunmen stormed The Bataclan in Paris, France unleashing utter mayhem upon numerous unsuspecting victims, all of whom were there to simply enjoy a show by a great rock band. That band was California’s Eagles of Death Metal, and those victims were their fans. Three months have passed since the attacks, and on Tuesday, February 16 EODM finally had the chance to finish the show they started on that fateful night.

Pushing past the emotional aspects of this triumphant return, attendees at L’Olympia, as well as front man/guitarist Jesse Hughes and co-founder/drummer Josh Homme, seemed to make it a point to create a jubilant atmosphere filled with a sincere “we refuse to let the bad guys win” attitude. “Rock and roll for me has always been fun,” said Hughes in an interview with French television prior to the show, “and I am not going to let anyone take that away from me or my friends.”

As the band took to the stage around 9 p.m., they all appeared visibly moved by the overwhelming love and energy of the crowd, kicking off the set with an EODM classic “I Only Want You” from the “Peace Love Death Metal” album, while fans bounced with metal horns raised high. After a moment of silence to truly honor the victims of the November 13 attacks, EODM resumed what Hughes promised to be “a regular rock show.” The weight of the moment, though, was impossible to ignore as many overcame great fear and injury, one man who was injured at the Bataclan show, stood proud with his crutches holding him high, showing the world Parisian courage first hand. Tight security helped ease concerns, as did the exuberance of the band members themselves. The two-hour concert continued and EODM ran through tracks like “Stuck in the Metal” and of course the French inspired “I Love You All The Time.” At one point during the lively set, Hughes smashed his guitar as a result of it being out of tune, the pieces of which were handed out to eager fans.

As the encore hour approached, attendees prepared themselves for something special. Hughes came back out on stage with a French flag guitar and ripped into The Rolling Stones’ “Brown Sugar,” something special indeed. “Speaking in Tongues” capped off the night, and per usual, Hughes and guitarist Dave Catching battled ‘til the bitter end with back and forth guitar-solos. Suffice it to say, Hughes ended up in the balcony and Catching ended up with a blindfold over his eyes. By the end, all was clear; music had triumphed.

Eagles of Death Metal returned to Paris Tuesday, Feb. 16 and rocked the roof off of the Olympia Bruno Coquatrix.