Fears for US band caught up in Paris siege

New York: Fears grew for the safety of an American rock band whose concert was attacked in an unprecedented wave of bombings and shootings across Paris on Friday night.

Eagles Of Death Metal were playing at the French capital's Bataclan concert hall, where police said that about 100 people were killed and hostages taken.

"We are still currently trying to determine the safety and whereabouts of all our band and crew," said a statement by Eagles Of Death Metal on Facebook.

"Our thoughts are with all of the people involved in this tragic situation."

Eagles of Death Metal is a blues-influenced garage rock band with California roots that has collaborated with some of music's biggest stars.

Despite the name, it is not a death metal band but rather has worked with music A-listers including the actor Jack Black and Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters and Nirvana fame.

The band's name, while frequently misunderstood, was initially chosen ironically as the artists -- longtime friends -- imagined a cross between hard-charging death rockers and the quintessential Americana band the Eagles.

Hailing from Palm Desert in southern California, Eagles Of Death Metal has two consistent members -- lifelong friends Jesse Hughes, 43, and Josh Homme, 42.

The band's lyricism -- and shows -- are often known for lasciviousness, with the two men seeing themselves in the tradition of sex, drugs and rock and roll.

"I make dick-shaking, titty-wobbling, good-time, let's-get-down, what's-up-girl music," Hughes recently told the music site Consequence of Sound.

Homme, who also fronts another rock band, Queens of the Stone Age, is heavily tattooed and has spoken in the past of his ownership of guns.

In contrast with many successful musicians who try to steer clear of controversy, Homme is known for his political incorrectness that includes frequent profanity in public.

"One of my hobbies is being a smart ass, and I just like to mess with language," he told the live music site JamBase last year.

Eagles Of Death Metal was touring Europe to support a new album, "Zipper Down," which was the first by the band in seven years.

Hughes had described the band's last album, "Heart On," with a mixture of military and romantic metaphors, as a "music missile" and a "sonic warhead sexually tipped for her pleasure."