Last July, Gojira made an impression with a memorable performance during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. By revisiting the revolutionary song Ah! It will do with opera singer Marina Viotti, the French group delivered a powerful show combining pyrotechnics, historical symbolism and daring staging.
An unexpected invitation and a creative challenge
In an exclusive interview with Metal HammerJoe Duplantier, singer and guitarist of Gojira, recalls that the idea behind this performance came from Victor Le Masne, composer and musical director of the Paris Olympic Games. “We were in shock,” Joe confides. “Is this real? What does this mean?”
Le Masne explains that he wanted to represent the spirit of the French Revolution through revolutionary and modern Music. “For me, Metal is revolutionary music, and Gojira was an obvious choice. In 2024, they are one of the brightest bands in the genre,” he declares.
However, performing a piece as violent as Ah! It will do posed a dilemma for Gojira, whose message is generally more positive. The group therefore chose to highlight more optimistic lines, such as “Let us rejoice, good times will come” et “Without fear of fire or flame”.
Also read: The 30 best Metal & Rock albums of 2024 (according to MetalZone)
A Grammy nomination
In August, Gojira released its version of Ah! It will do under the modified title My Fault (Ah! Ça Ira) on streaming platforms. This cover is currently nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance 2025, alongside tracks by Metallica, Judas Priest, Spiritbox and Knocked Loose (feat. Poppy). The winner will be announced at the ceremony to be held in Los Angeles on February 2.
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