French priest apologises for saying Eagles Of Death Metal are ‘inspired by Satan’

Francois Schneider made the controversial comments following the Paris terror attacks

A French priest has been forced to apologise after he claimed that Eagles Of Death Metal were “inspired by Satan” following the recent Paris terror attacks.

Eighty-nine people were killed by terrorists at the rock band’s gig at Paris’ Le Bataclan music venue as part of a series of attacks around the French capital on November 13.

According to Agence France-Presse, Francois Schneider of Wissembach in northeastern France criticised Eagles Of Death Metal in comment that were later reported by members of his congregation.

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Following the criticism, Schneider has now apologised, saying: “I regret fuelling a controversy about some musical genres. It was completely inappropriate and indecent”.

“Sometimes we are overwhelmed when faced with the diversity and strangeness of some artistic expressions,” the priest continued.

Eagles Of Death Metal recently made their live return at U2’s Paris concert on December 7. They thanked Bono for “sharing the healing power of rock’n’roll” and performed a cover of Patti Smith’s ‘People Have The Power’.

The band broke down in tears earlier this month upon their emotional return to the Bataclan venue in Paris.

Eagles Of Death Metal have also rescheduled a series of European live dates that were cancelled after the terrorist attack.

Following the tragic events, the band have now announced rescheduled dates for early 2016. These will stretch through February and March, before the band return in August. The run of dates includes a return to Paris, this time at the Olympia venue, on February 16.

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Fans who were at the Bataclan show on November 13 will be entitled to a free ticket for the rescheduled Paris date. They must contact their original ticket supplier between January 5-20 to claim their ticket. The Bataclan Theatre will not be open again in time for the band’s return on this tour.

Eagles Of Death Metal will also return to the UK to play Reading and Leeds 2016, their only UK festival performance.

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