Nov. 13--A California rock band had played in the Bataclan concert hall in Paris where hostages were taken in a deadly attack Friday night, according to reports.
Eagles of Death Metal, which hails from Palm Desert, Calif., performed a sold-out show as part of the band's European tour, according to the band's website. There have been conflicting reports about the band members' safety, but according to a Twitter post by opening act Red Lemons, some members of Eagles of Death Metal made it outside of the venue to safety.
"We are still currently trying to determine the safety and whereabouts of all our band and crew," read a message posted on the Eagles of Death Metal's Facebook page this afternoon. "Our thoughts are with all of the people involved in this tragic situation."
The band had been on stage for about an hour when there was gunfire, panic and a stampede. Law enforcement eventually stormed the venue. Outside, bodies are lying in the street, and residents in local apartments have been throwing down sheets to cover them.
As of 4 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, the Associated Press reported that the hostage situation at the theater had ended with two attackers killed, according to police officials. Officials also said at least 100 people were killed inside the Bataclan.
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Explosions and shootings were reported around Paris during apparent terrorist attacks. Explosions were also heard outside the Stade de France, a stadium north of Paris, during a Germany-France soccer match, and at a bar, the AP reported.
With a capacity of 1,200, the Bataclan hosts many high-profile touring acts. Acts scheduled to appear at the venue in the coming weeks include American rap duo Rae Sremmurd, the Southern California metal act Deftones and Texas blues guitarist Gary Clark Jr.
Eagles of Death Metal, co-founded in 1998 by guitarist Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme of the platinum-selling band Queens of the Stone Age, released its fourth album, "Zipper Down," in October. Homme, however, isn't a member of the touring quintet. According to the band's Facebook page, touring members in addition to Hughes are guitarist Dave Catching (of Mark Lanegan Band and Tex the Horseheads), bassist Matt McJunkins, guitarist Eden Galindo and drummer Julio Dorio.
Best known for its self-titled debut album, Eagles of Death Metal is perhaps most recognizable for its catchy guitar songs, many of which have been used in national TV commercials for brands including Nike, Microsoft and Acura.
Additional reporting from Randall Roberts and Kim Willsher.
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