A French music journalist and a label employee were among those killed at Le Bataclan on Friday night (November 13).
Les InRocks reporter Guillaume B Decherf and Mercury Records’ international product manager Thomas Ayadhave have both been confirmed dead, following news that Eagles Of Death Metal’s British merch seller, Nick Alexander, was killed in the attacks.
At least 129 people were killed and around 350 injured in a series of violent attacks in the French capital on Friday. The 1500-capacity Le Bataclan was the worst hit, with 89 people killed.
Les InRocks paid tribute to 43-year-old reporter Decherf in a statement, saying: “The newspaper is shocked by his death. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Ayad’s death was confirmed by Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge, who said: “This is an unspeakably appalling tragedy. On behalf of everyone here at UMG, we extend our most profound sympathies to his parents and all of his friends and family.”
Universal Music France president Pascal Negre named the other two employees killed as Marie and Manu on Twitter, but did not provide their surnames.
Slowdive, Best Coast, The Black Keys’ Patrick Carney and Fall Out Boy guitarist Joe Trohman all paid tribute to merch seller Nick Alexander, with Carney telling Rolling Stone: “[Alexander] was a really organized, super hard worker, really funny. I remember him always very content with being on tour. It was what seems to make him the happiest … He was just a sweetheart, that guy.”
It has also been revealed that several members of Deftones, who were due to play Le Bataclan on Saturday night, were in the audience at the gig but left before the gunmen arrived. “After the first few songs they ended up leaving the venue,” said frontman Chino Moreno. “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.”
Le Bataclan has issued its first public statement since the attacks, saying “no words suffice to express the magnitude of our grief.” The venue added: “Many of you have wanted to gather in remembrance at the Bataclan. Unfortunately, the authorities still need to work at the site. We will keep you informed about when it will be possible to assemble in front of the hall. We thank you for your support, which touches us profoundly.”
Notre ami et journaliste Guillaume B. Decherf a été tué hier au Bataclan. https://t.co/QP9YU3GN67 pic.twitter.com/4mIg0GwMri
— les inrocks (@lesinrocks) November 14, 2015
Thomas Ayad, Mercury Records Executive, Among Paris Concert Casualties – https://t.co/CwPjEXaZcK pic.twitter.com/GZghnoC6pP — NYS Music (@NYStateMusic) November 15, 2015
Nick Alexander sold the merch at our two London Forum shows last December. Some of you will have met him. RIP x pic.twitter.com/ixnLKWBVL3
— Slowdive (@slowdiveband) November 15, 2015
