The official subreddit for Gojira definitely had a field day in the best way possible thanks to their performance at the Paris Olympics. This is because they noticed that the band gained more than 300,000 listeners on Spotify following their performance. It was noted they had 1.8 million listeners but now have 2.286.848 listeners now for good measure.
According to Forbes, Gojira’s performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony is quickly becoming a major milestone for the band and for heavy metal music. Just a day before the ceremony, French news reported that Gojira would be performing alongside big names like Lady Gaga, Aya Nakamura, and Celine Dion. This announcement made Gojira the first metal band ever to play at the Olympics, causing a buzz in the metal community.
Details about the performance were initially unclear, especially regarding how prominent Gojira would be since metal isn’t typically well-received in mainstream settings. There was concern that they might be sidelined or less visible.
However, Gojira delivered an intense and powerful performance. They played “Ah! Ça Ira,” a French Revolutionary song, with opera singer Marina Viotti. The performance featured dramatic elements, including beheaded figures representing Marie Antoinette. From the beginning, the heavy and rebellious tone was set.
The show included a lot of pyrotechnics, and Gojira’s signature heavy sound was fully present, matching what fans expect from their live shows. Marina Viotti’s part, though shorter, complemented the band well. Surprisingly, Gojira took much of the spotlight during the performance, especially given the grand setting of the Conciergerie, a historic French building.
While metal fans were thrilled, mainstream news outlets were equally impressed. USA Today even claimed Gojira “stole the show.” The performance and the positive reactions have solidified Gojira’s reputation as a leading force in heavy music. Kudos are also due to the Olympics and the event’s director Thomas Jolly and musical director Victor le Masne for featuring Gojira in such a high-profile event. Gojira has not only made history as the first metal band at the Olympics but also delivered one of the most memorable opening ceremony performances ever.
