Just days before taking the stage…
Gojira was hit with unexpected bad news.
Drummer Mario Duplantier was unable to enter the United States because of an immigration issue, forcing the band to find a replacement at the very last minute.
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The band didn’t reveal exactly what caused the problem.
They only explained that Mario had « fought hard every step of the way » to resolve the situation but couldn’t make it in time for their U.S. festival appearances.
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Rather than cancel the shows…
Gojira called on Luigi Paraventi, drummer of Paleface Swiss, to step in for three festivals in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio.
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The band even joked about the situation on social media:
« Player 2 has entered the game. »
A playful nod to the famous Mario & Luigi video game duo that fans immediately embraced.
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For now…
There’s no indication that Mario’s absence will affect Gojira’s long-term touring plans.
The replacement is expected to be temporary, while the immigration issue is resolved.
