They were the band at the centre of the horrific terrorist attacks at the Bataclan in Paris on Nov. 13, and now Eagles of Death Metal are telling their story for the first time.
In a 25-minute Vice interview, first with the full band, then with EODM founders Josh Homme and Jesse Hughes, the band recounts what happened, from hearing the first shots to coming face-to-face with the attackers to their narrow, and extraordinarily lucky, escape.
Frontman Hughes remembers racing desperately to the dressing room trying to find his girlfriend, and instead encountering one of the attackers, who went to shoot but got his gun stuck on a door frame.
Bassist Matt McJunkins recounts hiding in a tiny room with a group of fans, several of them having already been shot, and trying to find ways to barricade the door. Their only weapon was a bottle of champagne.
They also talk about fans' incredible acts of bravery, and how many put themselves in harm's way to save others. They also say they want to be the first to play the Bataclan when it reopens.
"Our friends went there to see rock 'n' roll and died," says Hughes. "I'm going to go back there and live."
It's powerful, heartbreaking and oddly hopeful. Watch:
Related:
Violinist honours Paris attack victims at European Parliament and it’s stunning: watch
Music fans push Eagles of Death Metal to number 1, Duran Duran to donate proceeds to charity
Prince, Foo Fighters, Deftones, more cancel European tours in wake of Paris attacks
Bataclan releases statement after deadly Paris attacks, music world expresses shock and sorrow
Bataclan manager vows Paris venue will reopen after attacks
Foo Fighters offer free EP, encourage fans to donate to victims of the Paris attacks