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Eagles of Death Metal's Bataclan support band White Miles issue public statement regarding Paris attacks

'We are happy, but miserable at the same time'

Jack Shepherd
Wednesday 18 November 2015 16:42 GMT
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Eagles of Death Metal's support band White Miles
Eagles of Death Metal's support band White Miles

Austrian alt-rock duo White Miles, the band who opened for the Eagles of Death Metal at the Bataclan the day of the tragic Paris attacks, have issued a statement to fans about their well-being.

In the statement, the two confirmed they are in good health yet they were mourning their merchandise seller, Nick Alexander. They also said another friend of the band was shot yet was on the way to recovery.

They went on to confirm all future dates - except one show in Innsbruck on 17 December dedicated to Alexander - were cancelled, including all future shows with Eagles of Death Metal.

The statement, in full, reads as follows: “We are back home since last Sunday, but would like to abstain from further interviews in public concerning the terror attack on the concert hall Bataclan at the moment.

"We are in good health, though the events are still too close, the impressions too touching. A member of our crew, who sold merchandise articles, was shot and killed. A good friend of ours has been shot, but blessedly he is on the way to recovery. It’s difficult for us to come to terms with the terrible incident.

“We are happy, but miserable at the same time. Happy, because we may be within our family circles, who immensely help us to feel safe again; miserable, because we know that many families have to mourn since the weekend.

“It goes without saying that our thoughts are with all victims and their relatives.

Our live concerts with the Eagles of Death Metal are cancelled, as well as our headliner shows in Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. Our show in Innsbruck on December 17th will be played in remembrance of our lost friend Nick Alexander.”

They then added on their Facebook page: “We play rock´n roll, this is what we do and this will never change! Celebrate life! Medina & Lofi”.

Timeline of Paris attacks

89 people reportedly died at Le Bataclan venue in Paris after terrorists shot into the crowd after taking over 100 people hostage. The latest reports say 129 people in total died in Paris, while over 350 were injured.

A UK campaign group has set out to get the Eagles of Death Metal’s cover of Duran Duran’s “Save A Prayer”, with the song entering the charts earlier this week. Duran Duran have pledged to give all proceeds they receive to charity.

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