Gojira's profile has been quickly rising with their last couple of albums. Their breakthrough was 2005's From Mars To Sirius, and last year's The Way Of All Flesh was also very well-received. Gojira just wrapped up a tour opening for Metallica and Lamb Of God. I spoke with frontman Joe Duplantier before their final set of the tour. We talked about their experience touring with Metallica, the timetable for the next Gojira album, working with Cavalera Conspiracy, his musical beginnings and involvement with environmental groups such as Sea Shepherd.
Chad Bowar: This is the last night of your tour with Metallica. How has it been?
Joe Duplantier: It was the best tour we've ever done. Opening for Metallica is a huge page we're turning. It was really a dream since we formed the band. In the early days I remember we were talking that our ultimate goal would be to open for Metallica. We did this because of Metallica. We wanted to be just like them when we were young and starting out. And today we are opening for them. We really achieved something. It's really an awesome feeling.
Have you had much contact with Metallica's members during the tour, or are they pretty isolated?
We thought they would be isolated, but they are not. They are really simple and down to earth and pay a lot of attention to the people working with them and the opening acts. They will sometimes show up in our dressing room to say hi. I remember the first time James Hetfield came into the dressing room we were so nervous. After a week or two we started getting used to the presence of the Metallica guys. They are really nice. We've had a chance to hang out with them sometimes, like go to a restaurant. It's really cool.
Read the complete Gojira Interview
(photo courtesy Prosthetic Records)
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