Ten years have passed since the devastating Bataclan attacks that left 130 people dead in Paris, including nearly 90 fans attending an Eagles of Death Metal show at the iconic music hall. Frontman Jesse Hughes, who was performing on stage when the Islamic State extremists stormed the venue, has returned to the French capital for a poignant tribute.
Hughes is set to attend Thursday's main commemoration ceremony at a newly created memorial garden near Paris City Hall, where dignitaries including French President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo will pay their respects. The California-based band's return has become an annual tradition for Hughes, who has struggled with the trauma of that fateful night.
"I've come back to France nearly every anniversary to share a camaraderie with my fellow survivors that cannot be described," he said in a statement. "This being the 10-year anniversary, my emotions are all over the place." The greatest honor Hughes hopes to achieve is to show the world that the senseless violence of that night did not define him.
The ceremony will serve as a somber reminder of the lives lost and the bravery displayed by survivors and security personnel. EODM had previously paid tribute on the second anniversary of the attacks, performing a solemn cover of Duran Duran's "Save a Prayer" and their 2015 song, "I Love You All The Time."
However, in 2016, Hughes sparked controversy when he suggested that Muslim security guards at the Bataclan were part of the coordinated attack. He later issued an apology for his remarks.
As the nation gathers to honor the memory of those who lost their lives, they will also express unwavering support for the families and loved ones of the victims. "The nation will gather to honor the memory of those who lost their lives, show its unwavering support for their loved ones, express its gratitude to all those who intervened [that night], and reaffirm its ongoing commitment to the fight against terrorism," Macron's office said in a statement.
Hughes is set to attend Thursday's main commemoration ceremony at a newly created memorial garden near Paris City Hall, where dignitaries including French President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo will pay their respects. The California-based band's return has become an annual tradition for Hughes, who has struggled with the trauma of that fateful night.
"I've come back to France nearly every anniversary to share a camaraderie with my fellow survivors that cannot be described," he said in a statement. "This being the 10-year anniversary, my emotions are all over the place." The greatest honor Hughes hopes to achieve is to show the world that the senseless violence of that night did not define him.
The ceremony will serve as a somber reminder of the lives lost and the bravery displayed by survivors and security personnel. EODM had previously paid tribute on the second anniversary of the attacks, performing a solemn cover of Duran Duran's "Save a Prayer" and their 2015 song, "I Love You All The Time."
However, in 2016, Hughes sparked controversy when he suggested that Muslim security guards at the Bataclan were part of the coordinated attack. He later issued an apology for his remarks.
As the nation gathers to honor the memory of those who lost their lives, they will also express unwavering support for the families and loved ones of the victims. "The nation will gather to honor the memory of those who lost their lives, show its unwavering support for their loved ones, express its gratitude to all those who intervened [that night], and reaffirm its ongoing commitment to the fight against terrorism," Macron's office said in a statement.
. seriously though, it's crazy to think about how much time has passed since those senseless attacks. i feel bad for jesse hughes and the rest of the eagles of death metal crew who've had to deal with all that trauma. but at least they're doing their part by paying tribute every year... kinda like how we pay homage to our own trauma with an extra shot of whiskey 
. it's not going to bring back the victims, but maybe it'll help us process our emotions and move forward? or at least get a decent spot for our obligatory "i'm thinking of you" tweets 
.
? It feels like just yesterday we were hearing about that awful day in Paris 
. I'm glad Jesse Hughes is going back to pay his respects and share some closure with the fam 
. But, tbh, I'm a bit worried about how things are gonna go down at the ceremony... all that drama with him saying those hurtful things 9 yrs ago 
? Hopefully, everyone can just come together and celebrate the lives of those who were lost 
. Can't wait to see what the tribute is like this time around 
!
10 yrs gone by & it still hurts but its great that he's doing this tribute to remember the lives lost and the survivors who made it through. wish him all the best for the ceremony
I feel so bad reading about this 10-year anniversary of Bataclan attacks 
. It's crazy that Jesse Hughes has been going back every year since then to pay tribute, showing everyone he's still standing strong despite what happened. It's not easy dealing with trauma, but he's finding a way to honor the victims and their families.