Though Gojira are all set to play a handful of U.S. fest shows this week, they’re going to have to do so without founding drummer Mario Duplantier. The metal juggernauts just revealed that immigration issues will keep the French skinsman from crushing his kit across the U.S., but they’ve drafted in Paleface Swiss drummer Luigi Paraventi to play in his stead.
Gojira are due to perform tonight (July 16th) at Cadott, Wisconsin’s Rock Fest, Grand Rapids, Michigan’s Upheaval Festival and the annual Inkcarceration in Mansfield, Ohio by the end of the weekend. They announced over Instagram today that they’ll have to proceed without their regular — though extraordinarily talented — percussionist.
“Mario is dealing with an immigration issue that has made it impossible for him to travel to the US in time for our shows,” they wrote. “Mario is heartbroken not to be here with us and has fought hard every step of the way to find a solution. We’re so grateful for the incredible @luigi.paraventi of Paleface Swiss, who has stepped in on short notice.”
The band also joked about out the fact that they are swapping out Mario for Luigi, a different set of brothers than what you’d normally think of with regards to Gojira. They quipped for the gamers out there: “Player 2 has entered the game — RESPECT.”
Paraventi joined Paleface Swiss earlier this spring.
Gojira U.S. tour dates 2026
7/16 Cadott, WI – Rock Fest
7/17 Grand Rapids, MI – Upheaval Festival
7/18 Mansfield, OH – Inkcarceration
9/20 Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life