The Paris Olympics opening ceremony was one for the books, packed with jaw-dropping moments and awe-inspiring performances. But one act, in particular, sparked more than just a wave of excitement—it ignited a frenzy of questions. People were left asking, “Who thought of this?” The moment in question wasn’t a traditional Olympic performance but something far edgier.

It was a spectacle, a blend of revolutionary energy, heavy metal, and Parisian history, all wrapped up in a fiery, explosive display. What made it even more mind-blowing was the fact that it wasn’t just the band’s wild performance that stole the show—it was the behind-the-scenes mastermind who made it all happen.

The revolutionary vision behind the Paris Olympics’ music

Enter Gojira, the French metal titans who were tapped for one of the most iconic performances of the 2024 Paris Olympics. But how did a metal band become the stars of the Olympic stage? The answer lies with Victor Le Masne, the composer and musical director behind the event. It was his vision to have a French metal band perform, specifically Gojira, whose revolutionary sound matched the energy he wanted to convey.

Joe Duplantier and his bandmates were caught off guard when Le Masne first approached them with the idea. “We were all a little bit shocked.” Duplantier, lead singer and guitarist, admits. “Is this for real? What does it mean?” But as soon as they understood the significance of the request, they were all in.

Le Masne explained his vision of tying the performance to the French Revolution, symbolizing upheaval, change, and resistance through metal music. Gojira fit perfectly into that mold—after all, they’ve always used their music to challenge norms and push boundaries. The result?

A breathtaking performance set at La Conciergerie, a prison-turned-museum, where history collided with modern-day rebellion. The band played Ah! Ça Ira, a song inspired by revolutionary ideals, while flames burst from the stage and ‘beheaded’ Marie Antoinette lined the walls. But Gojira didn’t just lean into the bloodier aspects of the song.

They chose to focus on a more hopeful interpretation, highlighting the lyrics “Let us rejoice; good times will come” and “Without fear of fire or flame.” This added a new layer of meaning, taking the edge off the revolution’s violence while amplifying its triumphant spirit.

From revolution to Grammy glory

But the Paris Olympic performance wasn’t just a moment of glory—it became a defining moment for the band. Gojira’s rendition of Ah! Ça Ira, reworked and retitled as Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça Ira!), hit streaming services in August. The new track quickly became a global sensation, gaining recognition far beyond the world of metal. The performance and its accompanying track struck a chord with listeners who were drawn to its mix of powerful, politically charged music and innovative performance art. This didn’t go unnoticed by the music industry.

Gojira’s Mea Culpa was nominated for a 2025 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance, competing with some of Metal’s biggest names like Metallica, Judas Priest, and Spiritbox. For a band that has long operated outside the mainstream spotlight, this nomination was a testament to their impact and influence in 2024. But beyond the Grammy nod, the performance solidified Gojira as more than just a metal band—they are cultural disruptors, artists who use their music to make statements.

With their roots in the revolutionary spirit of the French Revolution and their relentless drive to push the boundaries of metal, they’ve earned their place in both music history and global pop culture. As the Grammy ceremony looms in February, fans and critics alike are waiting to see if they’ll take home the gold—and whether their next groundbreaking moment will be even bigger than the last.