Music industry mourns members following Paris terrorist attack

Members of the international music industry were among at least 130 people who were killed in the Paris attacks on Friday November 13.

At least six people who shared a daily commitment to music have had their lives cut short. As tributes pour in from across the globe, those members of the international music community are being remembered and celebrated.

On Saturday in a letter to Universal Music Group staff, CEO & Chairman Lucian Grainge announced 34-year-old Thomas Ayad from Mercury Records France was among the 118 people killed at the Bataclan Theater on Friday night.

“As many of you know, the band Eagles of Death Metal is part of the Ume and Mercury France family,” Grainge wrote to staff. “The band and its crew as well as our own teams from Mercury and other UMG staffs were present at the Bataclan theater for last night’s show.

“At this point, we have confirmed that Thomas Ayad, an international product manager for Mercury Records lost his life in the attack on the theater. This is an unspeakably appalling tragedy. I cannot even begin to express the depth of my sorrow. On behalf of everyone here at UMG, we extend our most profound sympathies to his parents and all of his friends and family.”

UMG also lost 24-year-old digital marketing manager Marie Mosser in the Paris attacks. Mosser worked alongside Ayad at Mercury Records France. British pop band The Vamps, whom she helped look after, took to Facebook to pay tribute.

Universal Music France President Pascal Negre tweeted that Mosser and an employee named Manu were also among those killed at the Bataclan Theater. The Mirror has reported Manu Perez was a Senior Project Manager at UMG. His girlfriend Précilia Correia also passed away as a result of the shootings.

Universal Music Australia/Interscope Records artist Jarryd James was in lockdown for four hours in Paris during the attacks. The Brisbane-based artist had just finished his setat music venue Les Etoiles with fellow Aussies Boo Seeka. Hewas reportedlyhelping to load his tour vanwhen he was instructed by his label rep to stay inside. The venue isjust around the corner from The Bataclan.

Boo Seeka took to Facebook toupdate fans:

James took to Twitter toreassure hisfollowers including UMAMarketing DirectorBridie Connellan, triple j’s Matt & Alex, 2DayFM radio host Ash London and Amplify Now presenter Nic Kelly.

36-year-old Nick Alexander, Merchandise Manager for Eagles of Death Metal’s European tour, was also among those killed in the attack at the Bataclan.

His family confirmed the news in a statement:

“It is with huge sorrow that we can confirm that our beloved Nick lost his life at the Bataclan last night. Nick was not just our brother, son and uncle; he was everyone’s best friend – generous, funny and fiercely loyal.

“Nick died doing the job he loved and we take great comfort in knowing how much he was cherished by his friends around the world. Thank you for your thoughts and respect for our family at this difficult time. Peace and light.”

Alexander has also toured with Crowded House (tribute below), Billy Talent (tribute here), Alice In Chains (tribute below), Motion City Soundtrack (tribute), Sum 41 (tribute), Fall Out Boy (tribute) and The Black Keys (tribute) as Merchandise Manager.

Friends of Alexander have taken to social media to pay homage and to announce they have set up a GoFundMe account for his memorial fund. The account had a $25,000 goal and has at time of publishing reached over $54,100. All proceeds go to Alexander’s family.

43-year-old music journalist Guillaume B. Decherf was among those murdered in the Friday attacks at The Bataclan. He wrote for music magazineInRockssince 2008 and specialised in rock and metal. He is survived by two daughters.

29-year-old violinist Kheireddine Sahbi was confirmed dead by Algerian paper Chouf Chouf, he had come to Paris to study music at the Sorbonne.

Among many new protocols to be introduced throughout Europe to strengthen security will likely be a policy to see the review of security at live venues. It has been reported that due to live venues’ inconsistent security policies, venues like the Bataclan, a small 1,500 capacity concert hall, are more vulnerable to attacks.

Wiggo Schie, chief executive of the Oslo Spektrum in Norway, told the Wall Street Journal the Bataclan doesn’t have a standardised security system. Three suicide-vest-wearing gunmen were able to enter the Eagles of Death Metal concert on Friday night.

Security measures in place at the France vs. Germany football game at the Stade De France on Friday night may have saved hundreds of lives. A suicide bomber was reportedly refused entry when his explosive vest was discovered by security guards. The bomber then detonated the vest outside the 80,000 capacity Stade De France.

America’s NFL increased security and law enforcement around stadiums and parking lots for games played on Sunday. Meanwhile, followingcancelled European tours by the Foo Fighters, Motorhead and U2, promoter juggernaut Live Nation has said it will boost security measures.

“The safety and security of our shows, fans and venues continues to be our highest priority,” Live Nationsaid in a statement. “Due to the recent events in Paris and in an abundance of caution we have implemented heightened security procedures globally. However, because of the sensitive nature of these protocols, we cannot elaborate further on the specific details.”