Eagles Of Death Metal frontman blames French gun laws for Bataclan death toll

Eagles Of Death Metal frontman Jesse Hughes has said that the Bataclan massacre could have been stopped if everybody had firearms.

The American rock band was performing at the Bataclan theatre in Paris when terrorists attacked. In total 130 people were killed in a series of coordinated shootings and bombings across the city on November 13.

In an interview with French broacaster iTele, he said: "I'll ask you: did your French gun control stop a single f****** person from dying at the Bataclan? And if anyone can answer 'yes', I'd like to hear it. Because I don't think so.

"I think the only thing that stopped it was some of the bravest men that I've ever seen in my life charging head-first into the face of death with firearms."

His comments came as Eagles Of Death Metal return to Paris to play a tribute concert to the 89 fans who were shot dead at their November concert.

Hughes added: "I think the only way my mind has been changed is maybe that until nobody has guns, everybody has to have them.

"Because I don't want to see anything like this ever happen again. And I want everyone to have the best chance to live and I saw people die that maybe could have lived, I don't know, but I wish I knew for sure if they could have had a better chance."

Hughes is reportedly a member of America's National Rifle Association and a supporter of Republication presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Tuesday's gig will be held at the Olympia venue in Paris, a few miles from the Bataclan, which remains closed.

Hughes and his band mates Dave Catching, Julian Dorio, Eden Galindo and Matt McJunkins survived the shootings but the band's merchandise seller, Briton Nick Alexander, was killed in the terror attack.

Hughes fought back tears as he said: "I haven't had any nightmares, and I've slept fine, but when I'm awake is when I see things that are nightmares, you know?

"And I thought that talking about it would make it easier...but it's not.

"There's really no frame of reference for this at all. I just wish it would go away."