Those who know Eagles of Death Metal reflect on their legacy
People across the world continue to mourn the deaths in Paris.
Community members who know the local band Eagles of Death Metal said they’re relieved to hear they’re headed home, but wonder what’s next for the group.
Many in our valley are very familiar with the band and its music, including Desert Sun arts and entertainment reporter Bruce Fessier.
“I was stunned when I heard about it and I immediately started thinking about Jesse. So I was thinking about the safety of Jesse and the band,” Fessier said.
Fessier recently published an article talking about EODM’s front man Jesse Hughes.
“Jesse is just happy to make a little bit of money, doing what he wants to do. And really that’s the dream of so many Americans,” Fessier said.
He’s known Jesse for years but said he’s not sure how Hughes is recovering.
“Now it’s a healing process. We don’t know the state of mind of the band and that’s the next big question,” Fessier said.
Another big question on some people’s minds is if this tragedy will be the band’s legacy.
“You don’t know how they’re going to be remembered but what I think is they’re a great band and they have an opportunity to show they’re a great band and maybe some good will come out of this,” Fessier said.
Eleni Austin works at Record Alley and share’s Fessier’s sentiment.
“I think more people are going to be paying attention to what they sound like and it may actually increase their sales. Which is sad in a way, that this has to happen to motivate people to look into a band,” Austin said.
She said she’s already had one European couple stop in looking for T-shirts with the band’s name on it.
While the terrifying attacks won’t easily be forgotten, those who know the group said they hope it won’t break their spirit.
“Jesse has always been really grateful for anything he’s ever gotten and he says that over and over again. ‘I’m living the dream.’ And it’s taken on a new meaning now,” Fessier said.
Fessier said he’s spoken to the family and they said the band is on their way home. But he doesn’t know if that means the valley or Los Angeles.
