Members of Blur, the Black Keys + More Pay Tribute to Merch Manager Killed in Paris Attacks

Nick Alexander, a longtime merchandise manager originally from Essex, was among the victims of the Eagles of Death Metal concert in Paris on Friday (Nov. 13) when gunmen took Le Bataclan theater and killed a reported 87 people. Alexander, 36, worked with several bands on the road, and many of those artists have since paid touching tributes.

Blur and Gorillaz leader Damon Albarn worked with Alexander in support of his Africa Express album. “Nick’s death is immensely sad,” Albarn told Ian Birrell for the Daily Mail. “The fact that he seems to have given his life to save another will be a lasting testament to what a lovely guy he was.”

Alexander also toured with the Black Keys. Both Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney shared their fond memories of the late crew member with Rolling Stone.

“He was a really organized, super hard worker, really funny,” Carney said. “I remember him always very content with being on tour. It was what seems to make him the happiest… He was just a sweetheart.”

“Nick was just a really nice guy,” Auerbach added. “He was just an absolute rock & roll guy. He lived for it.”

MGMT also recalled working with Alexander in Europe:

Nick Alexander… was one of the top crew members and merch sellers MGMT has had and one of the nicest guys in rock. He sold merch for us on our two European tours in the fall of 2010, including those three nights at Le Bataclan. We are crushed to find out Nick was one of the victims of last night’s insanity who didn’t make it. If you have a t-shirt from that tour, wear it proudly to honor Nick.

Members of Best Coast, Alice in Chains, Sum 41 and Fall Out Boy have also expressed their thoughts and condolences: