Ayad was one of the victims at the city's Bataclan venue, where 89 people were killed during an Eagles Of Death Metal show. Metallica posted a picture of frontman James Hetfied with Ayad from 2011 and issued a statement.

It reads: "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."