GOJIRA To Play 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony — Loaded Radio
GOJIRA to Bring Metal to the Olympics
Get ready for a heavy metal twist on the Olympics! French progressive metal titans GOJIRA are set to electrify the world with their performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony this Friday, July 26th.
According to the French newspaper Le Parisien, the band will deliver an “original” collaboration with opera singer Marina Viotti. This unexpected pairing promises to be a highlight of the event.
Sortir À Paris reported on GOJIRA’s inclusion at the ceremony under the headline: “Who is GOJIRA, the metal band tipped for the opening ceremony?” The site goes on to say that the rumored collaboration with Marina is “a wonderful artistic proposition, and one that will surprise many if it is confirmed!”
According to the biography on her web site, Marina has previously “experimented with jazz, gospel and heavy metal”.
Also set to perform at the opening Paris Olympics ceremony are Céline Dion, Lady Gaga and Aya Nakamura.
“The opening ceremony is orchestrated by renowned stage director Thomas Jolly,” Time Out reports, “who has invited a stellar cast of local and international stars to celebrate the rich history and diversity of French musical culture.”
You won’t want to miss this historic performance! The opening ceremony airs on NBC starting at 1:30 p.m. EDT on Friday and will also be streamed on Peacock and NBC Olympics platforms.
While we eagerly await GOJIRA’s Olympic debut, let’s take a moment to appreciate the band’s incredible achievements. Their latest album, “ Fortitude,” was a massive success, topping Billboard’s Top Albums chart and securing numerous number-one positions worldwide. Tracks like “ Another World,” “ Born For One Thing,” and “ Into The Storm “ became instant classics, showcasing the band’s ability to blend technical prowess with powerful songwriting.
Hailing from the coastal town of Ondres, the group was formed in 1996 under the name GODZILLA, later changing it to GOJIRA (a nod to the Japanese pronunciation of “Godzilla”) to avoid legal complications. The band’s core lineup consists of brothers Joe Duplantier (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Mario Duplantier (drums), alongside Christian Andreu (lead guitar) and Jean-Michel Labadie (bass).
Renowned for their technical mastery and thought-provoking lyrics, GOJIRA has consistently pushed the boundaries of heavy metal. Their music is a complex tapestry that seamlessly weaves together elements of death metal, progressive metal, and thrash, creating a sound that is both ferocious and intellectually stimulating. The band’s lyrical themes often delve into environmental concerns, philosophical musings, and social justice, demonstrating a strong commitment to using their platform for positive change.
Since their inception, GOJIRA has released a series of critically acclaimed albums that have solidified their position as a leading force in the metal world. Their breakthrough album, “ From Mars to Sirius”, showcased their technical brilliance and songwriting prowess, while subsequent releases such as “ L’Enfant Sauvage”, “ Magma”, and “ Fortitude” further cemented their reputation as innovators in the genre. “ Fortitude “ in particular achieved significant commercial success, topping charts worldwide and earning the band a Grammy nomination.
Beyond their musical accomplishments, GOJIRA is deeply committed to environmental activism. The band has consistently used their platform to raise awareness about climate change and other pressing ecological issues. Their dedication to sustainability and social responsibility has resonated with fans and earned them widespread respect.
The band raised over $300,000 for the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB) through a charity campaign, demonstrating their dedication to protecting the planet.
With their groundbreaking music, unwavering activism, and now, their Olympic performance, GOJIRA continues to inspire and amaze fans worldwide.
Now if they would just make guitar shredding or deep-guttural vocals actual Olympic sports we’ll be off to the heavy metal races!
Originally published at https://loadedradio.com on July 25, 2024.
