Well what’s occurring, mun… because Gojira’s frontman, riff-slinger, eco-warrior and all-round French metal wizard Joe Duplantier has only gone and broken his arm right before tour. Yep. One of the tightest, most rhythmically ferocious players on the planet has done himself a mischief after a couple of “minor surgeries” turned into a major headache for the band. 😬💥
But in TRUE Duplantier fashion, the man isn’t sulking, isn’t hiding, and definitely isn’t cancelling everything to sit home eating croissants and watching Bake Off.
Nope — Joe says he’s on the mend, healing well, and doing rehab like a champ. C’mon butt, that’s proper metal spirit! 🤘💪🇫🇷
🎸 “BROKEN ARM? STILL TOURING.” — BASICALLY JOE RIGHT NOW
Gojira aren’t exactly a gentle band.
They don’t strum.
They don’t noodle.
They don’t stand still.
They erupt, like tectonic plates having a tantrum. 🌋
Joe’s rhythm playing is the backbone of that sonic earthquake — so him even considering performing with a busted arm is pure “only in Wales, mun…” levels of madness.
🥁 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE TOUR
Right now, the band haven’t announced cancellations — which means:
- Joe is determined to hit the stage
- The road crew are probably stress-eating pasties
- Mario’s blast beats remain untouched and angry
- Fans everywhere are clutching their merch screaming, “PLEASE DON’T CANCEL MY DATE, LUSH!”
💬 JOE’S SPIRIT = UNBREAKABLE
Even with metal plates in his arm (probably), he’s still shouting:
➡️ The show goes on.
➡️ The riffs will flow.
➡️ Pain? Never heard of her.
That’s commitment. That’s grit. That’s big French dragon energy. 🐉🔥
🤘 FINAL WORD
Joe Duplantier breaking his arm is like hearing Mount Snowdon stubbed its toe. But fear not — he’s recovering, he’s determined, and if anyone can down-pick through pain like a Viking possessed, it’s him.
Gojira fans: lace up your boots, warm up your necks, and get ready.
This tour might hit harder than a rugby tackle in the Valleys. 💥🏉
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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