Eagles Of Death Metal launch music bid to raise money for Paris attack victims
US rock band Eagles Of Death Metal have launched a campaign to unite music artists around the world and raise money for charity.
The rockers were performing at the Bataclan in Paris on November 13 when 130 people were killed in the city during a terrorist attack.
They have now called on fellow artists, irrespective of music genre, to cover their song I Love You All The Time.
The band will donate all of the publishing income to guitarist Josh Homme's charity, The Sweet Stuff Foundation.
The organisation is providing assistance to the families of the attack's victims.
Eagles Of Death Metal merchandise manager Nick Alexander, 36, was among those that lost their life inside the Bataclan.
Homme posted an open letter about the campaign, revealing the events in Paris had left the band "unsettled".
"Hello talented friend," his statement began.
"The senseless and violent terrorist attacks of Nov. 13, 2015 in Paris have left us all unsettled and we dare not give another second of precious time to those who have tried to steal our freedoms and take away our power.
"Instead, we are writing to ask for your help to Play It Forward. We are calling upon our friends to donate their time, talent and good will in a show of solidarity to help the victims of these atrocious acts in Paris and those affected by terrorism worldwide."
The musician also asked digital retailers and streaming services to donate their fees from the tracks.
"Simultaneously, we will call upon iTunes, Tidal, Amazon, Spotify & all others who will sell these covers, to join us and donate their portions to a charity as a symbol of unity."
To date, artists such as Pearl Jam, Kings Of Leon and Florence + the Machine (featuring The Maccabees) have all joined the Play It Forward initiative.
Eagles Of Death Metal got the idea from a fan-led campaign to drive sales of the band's cover of Save A Prayer by Duran Duran.
The campaign had hoped to push the rockers to number one on the Official Singles Chart in the UK. The single peaked at number 53.
Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon said all royalties from the cover would be donated to charity.
The rock band recently announced dates for a rescheduled European tour, including a return to Paris.
They will play at the Olympia Theatre in Paris on February 16 2016.
Fans who attended the Bataclan show will have free tickets to the upcoming Paris gig.
Jesse Hughes, the band's frontman and co-founder, said not returning to finish their set was never an option.
"We look forward to coming back in February and continuing our mission to bring rock 'n' roll to the world," he stated.
:: Visit the band's website to be part of Play It Forward or read the full statement at http://playitforwardeodm.com/
