In an interview with Rolling Stone, Gojira lead singer Joe Duplantier laughs off the claims that the French metal band’s Olympics Opening Ceremony performance was satanic. “It’s none of that. It’s French history,” said Duplantier. “It’s French charm, you know, beheaded people, red wine, and blood all over the place — it’s romantic, it’s normal.” Gojira performed a metal and opera-infused rendition of the 19th century French revolutionary anthem “Ah! Ça Ira” from the windows of Paris’ Conciergerie, with images of a beheaded Marie Antoinette illuminating the building. That caused some viewers to dismiss the performance as demonic and satanic. “There’s nothing satanic. France is a country that made a separation between the state and religion during the revolution,” Duplantier added. “And it’s something very important, very dear to the foundation of republican France.” (Billboard)
