Column: Nos Amis

It is never easy to turn on the television or to get on the Internet and see horrific acts of terror around the world. I will never understand why people think the way they do, but its sickening that people would think a mass shooting or bombing of innocent people would solve anything. Terrorists are the scum of the earth.

In November of 2015, the world watched as a terrorist attacks took place in Paris. One of the places attacked was the Bataclan Theater where a band from the United States, “The Eagles of Death Metal” was playing in front of a packed audience. A total of 89 were killed that night in the senseless, despicable act. Unlike their name may suggest, the band does not sound like the Eagles, and does not play heavy metal. They are simply a good old-fashioned rock band with a following around the world.

While I always pay close attention to attacks around the world, my interest was piqued when I heard it happened at one of their shows. I initially didn’t know if they had been killed or injured and it was just sad to think that something like this could happen at a concert, a place people go to escape the troubles of the world.

Earlier this year, a documentary about the band and the attacks titled “Nos Amis” premiered on HBO and as hard as it was to watch at times, it was a beautiful piece of art. Along with giving a detailed description of the horror that took place at the theater that night, it also followed the band in anticipation or a return show in Paris three months after the attack.

The leader singer and guitarist of the band Jessie Hughes was deeply troubled by what happened that night, but he wanted to finish the show. He wanted to be there for his fans to end the concert the right way. It was also something important for him to do as a person.

I couldn’t imagine the fear the band must have faced when the got onto the stage, but they did it and they played with passion.

They were doing what they loved again.

About a month ago, I was able to see the opening show of their 2017 tour. I wanted to be there to support the band. What I watched on the documentary was difficult to watch, but I wanted to be a part of the bands healing in the process of doing what they were made to do. It was an incredible experience to go from watching the critically lauded documentary (I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets an Oscar nomination), to watching them live.

“Nos Amis” translated from French means “Our Friends”, and that night we were all friends. They didn’t let terrorists dictate their lives, and nor should they.

I really recommend anyone who hasn’t watched the movie to give it a shot. It’s not just about the shootings or rock and roll, it’s about a group of guys that went through a horrible night, but didn’t let what terrorists did be the final chapter of their story.