Eagles of Death Metal drummer recalls Paris terror attack horror, thanks fans

Drummer Julian Dorio has reached out to the French fans who helped usher himself and his Eagles of Death Metal bandmates to safety as armed terrorists opened fire during a show in Paris earlier this month (13Nov15).

The group's touring drummer took to Instagram on Tuesday (24Nov15) to recount the "absolute and unnecessary evil", which "turned our world on its head", and made special mention of the people who put the rockers' lives ahead of their own.

Under a photograph of Dorio lighting a candle at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in tribute to the 89 people who were killed at the Bataclan theatre, the drummer wrote: "I, along with my bandmates @eodmofficial, had the privilege to play to one of the most energetic crowds of our tour when, nearly half way through the show, the unimaginable occurred.

"I am beyond grateful that I was able to find a way out of the venue, but I am mourning those who did not, including our mate, Nick Alexander. My thoughts are with their families. I'm home safe. And now I have a new family abroad. To Arthur, who ran for his life right beside me and selflessly put us in a taxi before himself, thank you. To Fabrice, a fan who lent me his phone later that night so I could call @emilydorio and attempt to put her at ease, thank you.

"To everyone who, in the face of unrelenting evil, went toe to toe using courage, compassion, and love as their weapons. You all are my heroes."

Dorio ended his message by revealing he is "forever changed", adding, "I'm counting down the days until I get to finish that concert. Peace & love."

Following the Paris atrocities, Eagles of Death Metal cancelled their remaining tour dates in support of their new album, Zipper Down, and returned home to the U.S.

Band co-founder Josh Homme has set up a charity initiative through his The Sweet Stuff Foundation to help raise money for the families of victims killed in the attacks on Paris.