Gojira will have a new guitarist on their next tour, as Joe Duplantier recovers from a hand injury that required surgery.
The band’s guitarist/vocalist has taken to Instagram to make the announcement, explaining how the extent of his injury has rendered him unable to perform all his parts ahead of their French tour, which starts at the Reims Arena tomorrow night (Thursday 27).
“Hey! I hurt my hand a few weeks ago. After getting minor surgery, I’m on the mend, but unfortunately, I won’t be able to play all my guitar parts on the next tour in France,” Duplantier’s statement reads.
“No worries, though, we hired our good friend Greg of the incredible Car Bomb to ‘Give us a hand’. The mood in our camp is up there, as we’re embarking on an interesting experience on our own turf. The show must go on.”
His post also includes an X-ray of his hand, as well as a photo of his current state, showing a pretty chunky cast. Notably, Duplantier says he won’t be able to play “all” his guitar parts, hinting that he can still hold a riff or two. But the cast, er, casts doubt on that. He’ll likely be on vocal duties only.
Duplantier is expected to return to full fitness next summer, when they play a massive European tour, which includes a UK stadium run with Metallica, Pantera, and Knocked Loose.
Elsewhere, the Gojira guitarist opened up on the origins of his pick scrape technique, which today is as commonplace in modern metal guitar riffs as pinch harmonics in a Zakk Wylde song.
After Joe Duplantier’s Hand Surgery: Gojira Hires a Stand-In Guitarist to Support Their 2025 Tour
Joe duplantier’s Minor Hand Surgery and Band Adjustments
Gojira, the trailblazing French metal band, recently announced a slight change in their lineup due to a minor surgery undergone by their frontman and lead guitarist, Joe Duplantier. Known for his intricate guitar work and passionate vocals, Joe’s health and recovery became a priority when he required hand surgery, a procedure critical for every guitarist.
While the surgery was minor, it necessitated a temporary break from performing to ensure full recovery without complications. This posed a challenge for Gojira’s enterprising 2025 French tour, which features 13 highly anticipated shows across France, promising an immersive and explosive live experiance for fans.
Introducing Gojira’s Stand-In Guitarist: A trusted Friend steps Up
To keep the tour seamless and to maintain the high-energy performances fans expect, Gojira decided to hire a stand-in guitarist. Thay chose a good friend and seasoned professional within their musical circle, someone who could deliver the technical proficiency and stage presence required to fill in for Joe Duplantier.
This strategic decision highlights how crucial it is indeed for bands to plan for contingencies during health emergencies. Hiring a trusted stand-in guitarist not only ensures continuity in live performances but also keeps the band’s chemistry intact.
Qualities of Gojira’s Stand-In Guitarist
- Musical Compatibility: Familiar with Gojira’s signature sound and style.
- Technical Proficiency: Capable of replicating Joe’s complex riffs and solos.
- Stage Presence: Energetic and confident to engage large audiences.
- Friendship & Trust: Established rapport with band members,ensuring smooth collaboration.
2025 French Tour Highlights and impact of Lineup Change
despite Joe Duplantier’s temporary absence on guitar duties,the band remains fully committed to their upcoming tour dates across France. The 13-show event aims to provide an immersive experience that fans won’t forget, leveraging powerful sound, visuals, and performance dynamics.
- Locations: Major French cities including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux.
- Tour Duration: Multi-week run throughout 2025.
- Performance Style: heavy,technical metal with an emphasis on atmospheric elements.
| tour Date | City | Venue | Lineup Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 5,2025 | paris | Le Zenith | Stand-in guitarist performs |
| March 10,2025 | Lyon | Le Transbordeur | Stand-in guitarist performs |
| March 15,2025 | Marseille | Salle Le Dôme | stand-in guitarist performs |
Benefits of Hiring a Stand-In Guitarist During Recovery
The decision to use a stand-in guitarist during Joe Duplantier’s recovery offers several key benefits both to the band and fans:
- Maintains tour momentum: Avoids cancelations or postponements that disappoint fans.
- Preserves band financial health: Keeps revenue flows from ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorships steady.
- Supports artist health: allows Joe to heal properly without rushing back prematurely.
- Enhances fan experience: Ensures high-quality performances without compromise.
Practical Tips for Bands Facing Similar situations
For bands and artists navigating unexpected health issues during intensive touring schedules, hear are some actionable tips inspired by Gojira’s approach:
- Have a standby musician or network: Build connections with capable musicians who can step in on short notice.
- Use rehearsals strategically: Schedule quick but focused rehearsals to integrate stand-in musicians smoothly.
- Communicate transparently: Keep fans informed about lineup changes to build understanding and support.
- Prioritize health: Never compromise on medical advice; long-term wellness benefits outweigh short-term setbacks.
Case Study: Gojira’s Smooth Transition Strategy
Gojira’s experience is a textbook example of how effective advance planning helps maintain professional integrity and fan enthusiasm.
- Pre-surgery planning: Band discussions and identifying the right stand-in.
- Quick adaptation: Intensive rehearsals with the stand-in guitarist before the tour start.
- Ongoing updates: Sharing news posts on official channels helped retain fan engagement [[1]](https://www.gojira-music.com/news/france-2025-29606).
First-hand Experience: Inside Gojira’s Tour Preparations
Band insiders revealed that working with the stand-in guitarist was an enriching experience. The camaraderie and shared passion for delivering remarkable live music remained strong, helping ease any anxieties around the change.
“We were fortunate to call on a close friend – someone who knows us well – to lend a hand during Joe’s recovery,” said a band member. “It’s been inspiring to see how quickly we all adapted. the energy on stage is just as electric, if not more.”
SEO Keywords Recap
| Keyword | Use Case Example |
|---|---|
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| Joe Duplantier hand surgery | “Following Joe Duplantier’s hand surgery, the band took proactive steps to continue their tour.” |
| Gojira 2025 tour | “Gojira’s 2025 French tour will feature 13 shows with their stand-in guitarist.” |
| metal band stand-in | “metal bands frequently enough rely on stand-in musicians during unforeseen circumstances like injuries.” |
