MUMBAI: Thomas Ayad, product manager at Universal’s Mercury Records, was one of the attendees who lost his life at Bataclan concert hall on the night of 13 November. Ayad was amongst those unfortunate concert goers who were attacked during the Eagles of Death Metal concert in Paris, which lead to 89 deaths at the venue.
The American heavy metal band paid tribute to Ayad through a very emotional post on Facebook. The 34-year-old international producer assisted Metallica on several occasions and was nothing less than “a Metallica family member.” The band also posted a photo of Ayad posing with vocalist- James Hetfield from a TV show in 2011.
Another popular artist who shared his shock and grief through social media was Justin Bieber. The teen pop sensation left a heartfelt message on his account thanking Ayad for his friendship and support. Beiber used the hashtag #PrayForParis to show his continued support for other victims of Paris.
Meanwhile, legendary co-founder and guitarist of The Rolling Stones - Keith Richards used his Instagram account to pay his respects.
Universal Music Group Chairman, Lucian Grainge, confirmed the loss of Ayad, releasing a statement to the LA Times. "This is an unspeakably appalling tragedy. I cannot even begin to express the depth of my sorrow," Grainge wrote. "On behalf of everyone here at UMG, we extend our most profound sympathies to his parents and all of his friends and family."