It's a drumming disaster that has struck French metal titans Gojira – their long-time percussion powerhouse Mario Duplantier is set to miss out on several US festival appearances due to a visa conundrum. The band broke the news on social media, leaving fans of the heavy-hitting quintet reeling in disappointment as they prepare to take to the stages at Rock Fest in Wisconsin and beyond.
Gojira's statement revealed that Duplantier is still wrestling with an "immigration issue" that has made it impossible for him to reach the States in time, leaving him heartbroken not to be there with his mates. The band acknowledged Mario's frustration, writing: "He's fought hard every step of the way to find a solution." Enter Luigi Paraventi, drummer extraordinaire from Paleface Swiss – he's stepped into the breach on short notice and is set to bring the noise for Gojira in Wisconsin tonight, at Upheaval Festival in Michigan tomorrow, and Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival in Ohio the day after.
It's a blow to Gojira's US tour schedule, but they're not ones to let it get them down. They've rallied behind their new temporary percussionist, praising Luigi as "incredible" and welcoming him with open arms: "Player two has entered the game – RESPECT!" The band will undoubtedly make sure that the music keeps on pounding out to its full intensity, even without Mario at the helm.
This is a familiar tale for international artists touring the US. Gojira's not alone in facing visa woes – Enter Shikari was forced to scrap their entire North American tour back in May due to similar issues, and FKA Twigs bailed on her 'EUSEXUA' tour dates last year for the same reason. It just goes to show that when it comes to international travel, even the biggest acts aren't immune to the complexities of performance logistics.