Local band who grew up with Eagles of Death Metal continues on European tour

A Coachella Valley band, Mondo Generator, will take the stage in the Netherlands this weekend – alone, without their friends from another band. That’s because one week ago today, Isis launched a terror attack on that other band, Eagles of Death Metal. In an exclusive report, Bianca Rae talks to Mondo Generator about why the band continued on with its European tour, despite fear and looming terrorist threats all over the world right now.

“You do it with your heart wide open. That’s the most vulnerable you can get. You do it for the people there. In this case, it was people with weapons,” Jeff Bowman, Mondo Generator drummer, said.

Nick Oliveri, Jeff Bowman, and Mike Pygmie make up the band Mondo Generator. They grew up in the valley, just like Eagles of Death Metal.

“I know Jesse from growing up, he was always in that music scene. Jeff went to high school with him,” Mike Pygmie, the band’s guitarist, said.

Just like Eagles of Death Metal, they had plans to perform in the Netherlands this weekend.

“Tomorrow is an event called Speedfest, and we were going to be performing just after Eagles of Death Metal. We are sad to say they had to cancel their tour for obvious reasons,” Jeff said.

Last week, gunmen opened fire on a theater in Paris. A member of the crew from Eagles of Death Metal, Nick Alexander, died. The band hasn’t spoken to any media, rather posted statements on social media.

“I don’t blame them , I don’t know what I would say. We are just trying to respect that,” Jeff said.

Nick did text with one of Eagles of Death Metal’s band members, who wasn’t on tour with the band.

“I text with Josh, that was it. He said he is speechless about everything,” Nick Oliveri, the group’s bass player and singer, said.

As threats continue, and suspected attackers remain on the loose, the families of Mondo Generator wanted them to cancel or postpone their tour.

“You three recently made a very bold statement on Facebook that despite the terror attacks and the looming threats, you were continuing on with your tour. Why was it important to you to continue on?” Bianca Rae asked.

“I don’t think we can live our life worrying,” Mike said. “No matter how much security, you cannot anticipate an attack like that.”

“Do you guys feel afraid at all?” Bianca asked.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t,” Jeff said.

Bigger than their fear, though, is their love of music.

“People probably need bands to play now more than ever before,” Nick said.