Gojira’s Mario Duplantier to Miss U.S. Shows

*Mario Duplantier of Gojira performs at Pier 17 Rooftop on May 15, 2022 in New York City. (Theo Wargo/Getty Images)*

Gojira drummer Mario Duplantier will be absent from the band’s upcoming stretch of U.S. performances.

In an Instagram post published Thursday, the French metallers write, “Mario is dealing with an immigration issue that has made it impossible for him to travel to the US in time for our shows.”

“Mario is heartbroken not to be here with us and has fought hard every step of the way to find a solution,” the post continues.

Gojira is scheduled to headline the Wisconsin Rock Fest on Thursday, then appear at the Upheaval and Inkcarceration festivals on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

The shows will proceed as planned, with Luigi Paraventi of Paleface Swiss taking over on drums in Duplantier’s place.

Though Gojira fans had been expecting to see Duplantier behind the kit, Paraventi stepping in means a Luigi will take the role of a Mario, a notable detail for Nintendo gamers.

“Player 2 has entered the game — RESPECT,” Gojira writes.

This article was adapted from original reporting by ABC Audio, as featured on 105.7 The Point.