Modern Drummer’s David Frangioni recently met with Mario Duplantier from GOJIRA during a South Florida stop on their U.S. tour supporting KORN. Mario showcased the drum set he used during GOJIRA’s memorable performance at the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, which is the same kit he played on the KORN tour. In a recent surprise performance in July, GOJIRA presented “Ah! Ça Ira,” a well-known song from the French Revolution, alongside opera singer Marina Viotti and several representations of beheaded figures, symbolizing Queen Marie Antoinette. In an interview with Heavy Consequence, Mario described the experience of being the first heavy metal band to perform at the Olympics as “mind-blowing,” emphasizing the fortunate alignment of events, given the ceremony took place in France and two of its creators were GOJIRA fans.
Mario recounted that they were first contacted in November 2023, with the ceremony taking place in July 2024, requiring them to keep the news confidential for several months. They collaborated with Victor Le Manse, the composer for the ceremony’s music, to create a piece that aligned with the revolutionary theme, which posed a unique and enjoyable challenge. Since the Olympics, Mario noted subtle changes in his life, with an increased recognition of the band, though he emphasized that their long-established career already had them touring globally. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the respect it garnered for the band.
GOJIRA’s Olympic performance sparked controversy online, with some branding it “satanic.” Social media influencer Andrew Tate criticized the performance, calling it a display of devil worship. In response, Joseph Duplantier, GOJIRA’s frontman, explained to Rolling Stone that the performance was rooted in French history and culture, not satanic symbolism. He highlighted the importance of the separation between church and state in France, known as laïcité.
Joseph reflected on the honor and challenge of representing metal on such a global stage, acknowledging the significance of blending metal and opera, a combination not previously seen on television. He noted that the song choice, “Ah! Ça Ira,” was made by the creative team behind the ceremony, and their involvement in the overall event was limited to their specific segment. GOJIRA’s role in the ceremony underscored France’s ongoing innovation and creativity.
GOJIRA has been a pivotal force in bringing French rock to an international audience, with Metal Hammer naming them “metal’s most important band” in 2016. The band has received four Grammy nominations, including two in 2017 for “Best Metal Performance” and “Best Rock Album” for “Magma,” and once in 2022 and 2025 for “Best Metal Performance.” Their latest album, “Fortitude,” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Albums chart in May 2021 and achieved high chart positions globally.