Eagles of Death Metal’s emotional return to Paris

The Californian rock band Eagles of Death Metal performed a highly charged Paris concert filled with fans who survived a terrifying massacre and siege at their last Paris show — and filled with memories of those who didn’t.

“Bonsoir Paris, we’re ready for this!” frontman Jesse Hughes told the crowd at the Olympia concert hall, before heading straight into the first song.

The band’s performance on November 13 at the Bataclan concert hall turned into a bloodbath when Islamic extremist suicide bombers stormed in, as near-simultaneous attacks hit cafes and a stadium around Paris. Scores of concert-goers at the Bataclan were killed, while others hid or lay motionless for hours until a police raid ended the siege.

Armed police guarded entrances to the Olympia for Tuesday night’s performance, and concert-goers went through three bag and body searches before entering. Viewers seemed in good spirits ahead of the show, some drinking outside.

One man wounded at the Bataclan appeared at the concert in crutches. Others overcame deep fears or depression to attend.

“After the attacks ... I felt apprehension even being at the movies,” said Bataclan survivor Florian Novac. After seeing the security at Tuesday’s concert, however, he said, “Now I’m not afraid, I am confident.”

The show saw one band member smash a guitar but was otherwise peaceful, and the crowds left uplifted.

One survivor, Alexis Lebrun, described himself as “very scared” ahead of the show. But the group whipped the crowd into a frenzy of joy, with fans embracing each other in tears at the end.