Fans had been eagerly anticipating this announcement, and now it’s here: “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça Ira!)”, the breathtaking track performed by Gojira at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, is officially available on streaming platforms. This powerful rendition, which captivated audiences worldwide, features the French metal titans alongside opera singer Marina Viotti.
As a reminder, on July 26th, Gojira ignited the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with their electrifying performance. For several unforgettable minutes, the band, fronted by the Duplantier brothers, delivered a forceful and impassioned rendition of “Ah! Ça Ira”, the iconic French revolutionary song. This special arrangement was crafted by musician and producer Victor Le Masne, the musical director for both the Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies, adding a unique and modern metal edge to the classic anthem.
For this spectacular performance, which saw Gojira performing in a striking setup at the Conciergerie, the band was joined by the exceptional Marina Viotti. The opera singer lent her incredible vocals to a segment of “L’Amour est un oiseau rebelle” from Bizet’s opera Carmen, creating a stunning fusion of metal and opera that resonated deeply with viewers.
Ever since this monumental event, fans have been clamoring for the release of the track, eager to relive the experience and listen to it repeatedly. Gojira has answered the call. Announcing on their social media, Gojira confirmed that “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” is now streaming on major platforms including Spotify, Deezer, and Apple Music, allowing fans globally to access this unique piece of Olympic music.
The impact of Gojira’s Olympic performance has been undeniable. Since their appearance at the opening ceremony, the band has witnessed a remarkable surge in their song streams. In France alone, Gojira’s Spotify listens have skyrocketed by +106%, while globally, they have seen an impressive increase of +80%. This demonstrates the power of their performance to reach new audiences and amplify their already substantial fanbase.
Looking ahead, the question on many fans’ minds is whether Gojira will incorporate this powerful track into their live shows. While no official announcement has been made, the desire to witness “Ah! Ça Ira” live is strong. Gojira’s recent performances include a show at Ocean Fest in Biarritz last April, and upcoming appearances at European festivals such as Dynamo Metalfest, Summer Breeze, Reload Festival, Brutal Assault, and Bloodstock. While their current schedule doesn’t list any French festival dates, hopes are high that the Duplantier brothers and the band will soon announce a performance in France, giving fans the chance to experience this Olympic anthem and other Gojira classics live.
