Originally appeared on E! Online
You could say Gojira started a new French revolution at the 2024 Paris Summer Games.
As the first-ever heavy metal band to perform at an Olympic Opening Ceremony, the head-bangin’ quartet delivered a fiery performance of “Ah! Ça Ira,” a song popularized during the French Revolution, at the Conciergerie on the banks of the Seine river July 26.
Not only did their show light up the city with pyrotechnics, it literally turned heads when a performer dressed as a decapitated Marie Antoinette popped up on screen to sing along.
“Y’all the Olympics just took off Marie Antoinette’s head while playing French metal music?” one viewer wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “This is the craziest s–t I’ve ever seen.”
Meanwhile, another social media user joked, “One thing about the French, they’re gonna remind you they guillotined tf out of marie antoinette in the name of liberation.”
And that was the whole point, according to Gojira frontman Joe Duplantier.
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“It was a very bloody era of French history,” he told the New York Times of the French Revolution ahead of the Opening Ceremony, “so it was very metal.”
In fact, Joe—who performs in the band alongside brother Mario Duplantier, Christian Andreu and Jean-Michel Labadie—was insistent on making a strong impression.
Explaining how he felt pressure to represent “the whole metal community on the world stage,” the 47-year-old added that the performance is meant to be “in your face.”
But Gojira weren’t the only musicians who had the internet buzzing. Lady Gaga channeled the Moulin Rouge with a sultry performance of Zizi Jeanmaire‘s “Mon Truc En Plumes”—complete with pink, frilly pom-poms—while Céline Dion made a triumphant musical comeback after a yearslong struggle with stiff-person syndrome.
To close out the ceremony, the “My Heart Will Go On” singer belted out Édith Piaf‘s “Hymne à L’Amour” from the balcony of the Eiffel Tower—a powerful moment that led NBC Olympics coverage commentator Kelly Clarkson to break down in tears on camera.
“I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain and perseverance,” Céline wrote on Instagram after the show. “All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you!”
Keep reading to see all the jaw-dropping moments from the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Red, White and Blue
The Eiffel Tower and Opening Ceremony stands are illuminated with color in honor of the French flag.
Burning Bright
The Olympic Cauldron takes flight after being lit at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Iconic Night
Céline Dion closes out the show with a powerful performance atop the Eiffel Tower.
Comeback Moment
The singer beautifully belted out “Hymne A L’Amour” during her return to the stage.
The GOATs
Serena Williams, Carl Lewis, Nadia Comaneci and Rafael Nadal light up the night with the Olympic torch.
Sporting Greats
French soccer star Zinedine Zidane passes the Olympic torch to Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal.
Laser Focus
The Eiffel Tower lights up the night.
Let the Games Begin
Athletes from around the world gather in front of the Eiffel Tower for Opening Ceremony.
Wave Your Banner
The mystery horse rider carries the Olympic flag to the Place du Trocadero.
Light Up the Night
The Parade of Nations travel along the Seine river.
The World Stage
Flags from countries competing in the Olympics fly high.
Sharing All the World
Pianist Sofiane Pamart and singer Juliette Armanet perform “Imagine” from a float on the Seine.
Athletic Spirit
The Refugee Olympic Team—which is made up of 37 athletes representing millions worldwide who have been forcibly displaced—share a loving message.
Play On
Musicians at the Opening Ceremony keep dry in their rain ponchos.
Race to the Finish Line
The Olympic flag is carried down the Seine on a galloping metal horse.
Scenes From the Seine
Team Australia is all-smiles as their boat passes by the Eiffel Tower.
Fanning the Flames
The masked torchbearer runs along the Musee d’Orsay during the Opening Ceremony.
Can’t Rain on Their Parade
Despite the wet weather, Team Spain marches forward to the Place du Trocadero.
Smile for the Camera
Team Italy’s flag bearers Arianna Errigo and Gianmarco Tamberi snap a selfie together.
Heart of Paris
The Eiffel Tower is decorated with the Olympic rings.
Hej!
Swedish athletes greet the crowd during the Parade of Nations.
Making Memories
Team Liberia captures all the sights and sounds from their boat.
The City of Lights
The Eiffel Tower awaits the arrival of the world’s athletes.
Teamwork
Jordan’s Rama Abo-Alrub and Saleh Elsharabaty bear their country’s flag together.
Watch the 2024 Paris Olympics starting Friday, July 26, with the Opening Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock.