Metallica pays tribute to music executive, Thomas Ayad, killed in Paris attacks

LONDON: Rockers Metallica have joined Justin Bieber and Keith Richards in paying tribute to music executive Thomas Ayad, who was among those killed in terror attacks in Paris, France.

Ayad, a project manager at Universal Music France, was one of nearly 90 people killed when terrorists stormed the city's Le Bataclan theatre during an Eagles of Death Metal concert and opened fire.

The members of Metallica posted a photograph of frontman James Hetfield posing with Ayad on their Facebook page and added the caption, "We had great fortune to work with Thomas Ayad at Universal Music France for the past eight years and while Thomas had the official title of being our 'project manager', we knew him as a member of our Metallica family, a fan, a friend... and a warm, helpful, supportive familiar face each time we visited France.

"Friday we lost Thomas, at the Bataclan theatre, in a way that none of us can begin to comprehend. Our thoughts are with Thomas' friends, family, co-workers and all Parisians during these very difficult times."