The world of music is still reeling after the senseless attacks in Paris on Friday at an Eagles of Death Metal show. Turns out they weren't the only band in the venue. As we previously reported, members of Deftones were at the club moments before the attack happened. The band were scheduled to play the venue the following night.
Frontman Chino Moreno offered a detail account of what happened from his perspective to CBS News:
Moreno said a couple of other bandmates were at the hall to check out another band, but they left minutes before the gunmen stormed the Bataclan.
“Yeah, we’re safe,” he said. “We weren’t scheduled to play at the Bataclan until tomorrow night. A couple of band members, they went to the concert, but they left early—after the first few songs they ended up leaving the venue. They got out of there and all of our band and crew are safe and accounted for at the hotel now. So, we are just here, we’re pretty much on lockdown. They told everybody pretty much to stay indoors and don’t go out, because they’re still—everything is still unfolding as we speak.”
Moreno says his mission now is to get out of Paris as soon as possible, to get himself and his family out. The problem is that the French president has declared a state of emergency and closed all borders. He tells me that his tour bus was supposed to arrive on Sunday from Germany where they are scheduled to play next week, but it’s unclear whether that will happen in light of Friday’s attacks.
The band is understandably shaken by the events and have decided the best course of action is to cancel their tour and return home to their families:
"Much has been said, as well as seen, on every media outlet about the events in Paris. Some of us were in attendance at the Le Bataclan, and the rest of our family, just blocks away on this night. We have been to Paris many, many times, and we've had some of the most amazing shows in this tremendously electric city.
"With this being said, and with our deepest condolences, love and respect to everyone affected, and to all of us who share this planet, we must return home to our loved ones. We will return when appropriate.
"For ticket holders, we will have more information soon, so please hang tight. Until then, please never forget the power of gathering, and one of the most unbelievable feelings of all: that P.M.A.
"With much love and respect."
While I'm sure this is disappointing news to some Europeans, I'm sure we can all sympathize with their reasoning. The Deftones will surely be back soon, as they just completed their new album and are about to start that promotional cycle.
