This past summer, Gojira’s instantly iconic performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics brought heavy metal to people’s homes all around the world, hopefully opening the door for additional significant events that feature metal bands.
Frontman Joe Duplantier was recently questioned about the possibility of such a thing occurring at the Grammys or the Super Bowl on Full Metal Jackie’s radio show (transcribed by Loudwire). Duplantier first went all out: “I’d love to see Meshuggah at the Super Bowl.”
For such a popular concert, Meshuggah might be a pipe dream, but Duplantier soon changed his mind and decided on a very practical choice: the world’s largest metal band, the formidable Metallica.
Given their enormous global popularity, Duplantier even went so far as to say that Metallica ought to have already been the main attraction at a Super Bowl halftime concert.
“I believe Metallica should be featured in the Super Bowl halftime show,” Duplantier stated. It’s unfortunate that they weren’t invited. That would be reasonable. I’m hoping we’ll see that. playing “Enter Sandman” and “Master of Puppets.” Just think of that!
The thrash legends are already a constant in the sports world, he continued, validating the point: “Metallica is known in the sports world.” Many pitchers use “Enter Sandman” as they head to the mound, and I frequently hear their music during football games. They are simply deserving of halftime. It would be a complete triumph.
Duplantier went on to say that he thinks the NFL would be motivated to emulate Gojira’s Olympic performance.
“The Olympics are being watched,” he remarked. “The organizers are all professionals with a strong work ethic. They probably keep a close eye on things and want to make sure they don’t miss anything. And maybe it will inspire the Super Bowl crew.
Although 2026 is always an option, Kendrick Lamar is currently scheduled to be the main act during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show on February 9. A spot at Super Bowl LX at Metallica’s home stadium, Levi’s Stadium, where the San Francisco 49ers play, would be an amazing way to wrap up the 72 Seasons album cycle, given that the band will be heavily touring and performing at festivals throughout the upcoming year (tickets may be purchased here).
The night before Super Bowl 50 in February 2016, Metallica performed in a huge stadium extravaganza at AT&T Park in San Francisco, which was dubbed “too heavy for halftime.” Coldplay was selected to play at halftime during the Super Bowl, which was held at Levi’s Stadium.
Meanwhile, Heavy Consequence recently caught up with Joe Duplantier’s brother, Gojira drummer Mario Duplantier, who also discussed the band’s historic Olympics performance. Watch that interview below