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Luigi Replaces Mario Due To Immigration Issue
French metal band Gojira has temporarily replaced drummer Mario Duplantier with Luigi Paraventi for forthcoming US performances because an unspecified immigration issue has prevented Duplantier from travelling to the country. The change affects the band’s summer touring schedule, although Gojira said Duplantier had tried hard to resolve the situation and was disappointed to miss the shows.
The US run began on 16 July at Rock Fest in Wisconsin and is due to continue through festival dates until September. Paraventi, who plays with Paleface Swiss and posts drum covers online, will fill in; Gojira did not provide further details about the immigration problem.
In short
- Gojira’s Mario Duplantier cannot enter the US for scheduled shows.
- Luigi Paraventi will temporarily replace him on drums.
- The affected US festival run continues until September.
Explained simply
Gojira is a French metal band with an established international reputation, particularly recognised for their technical and experimental approach to rock music. Drummer Mario Duplantier has been a central part of the band's sound and success for many years.
International touring is essential to the careers of established musicians, with festival dates and concert performances generating revenue and maintaining fanbase engagement. The United States represents one of the most significant touring markets globally, with its extensive festival circuit and concert venues.
Immigration restrictions can sometimes unexpectedly prevent touring musicians from entering countries where they have performances scheduled, forcing bands to find substitute musicians at short notice. Luigi Paraventi, a drummer who performs in other bands and is active in online music communities, was brought in as a temporary replacement for the US dates.