Eagles of Death Metal in graphic account of Bataclan attack

Mass confusion and panic overcame the Bataclan when two gunmen stormed an Eagles of Death Metal concert at the Paris theatre, according to the band’s graphic first-hand account of the massacre.

Band members Joshua Homme (left) and Jesse Hughes (centre). Picture: PA

Eighty-nine of the Paris attacks’ 130 deaths were at the band’s gig on November 13, where Islamist gunmen struck, firing indiscriminately at the crowd. More than 100 more were injured in the venue.

In a 25-minute video interview with Vice News, vocalist Jesse Hughes, 43, recalled how the gunmen, after storming the venue, killed everyone who had fled into a dressing room apart from “a kid who was hiding under my leather jacket”.

Bass player Matt McJunkins said he too sheltered in a separate dressing room as some fans rushed to barricade the door with chairs. One stood wielding a champagne bottle in preparation for a fight.

Hughes broke down as he spoke of the selflessness of those caught up in the horror, including 36-year-old merchandise manager Nick Alexander, from Colchester, who was killed.

He said: “(Nick) stayed quiet and never called for help until he bled out, because he didn’t want anyone else to get hurt.”

He said the hallways of the venue were “like a labyrinth” as fans searched for a way out.