Gojira guitarist Joseph Duplantier recently announced that he will not be able to perform on the band’s upcoming France tour due to a hand injury. The announcement was shared on Instagram.
Duplantier sustained the injury a few weeks ago and underwent minor surgery. While he is recovering, he will be unable to play all of his guitar parts during the tour.
“Hey! I hurt my hand a few weeks ago. After getting minor surgery, I’m on the mend but unfortunately I won’t be able to play all my guitar parts on the next tour in France,” Duplantier said. “No worries though, we hired our good friend Greg Kubacki of the incredible CAR BOMB to ‘Give us a hand.’ The mood in our camp is up there though, as we’re embarking for an interesting experience on our own turf. Show must go on.”
Duplantier expressed optimism about the upcoming shows despite the setback. The band has moved quickly to ensure their tour proceeds as planned.
Greg Kubacki, guitarist from the New York-based mathcore band CAR BOMB, will step in as a temporary replacement for the tour. This collaboration marks a notable partnership between two respected figures in the progressive and mathcore metal communities, as reported by The PRP.
Gojira’s French tour is scheduled to run from November 27 in Reims through December 12 in Strasbourg. This timeline gives the band sufficient time to prepare with their temporary guitarist, as noted by Blabbermouth. The tour will take place on the band’s home turf, which Duplantier emphasized as an important factor in maintaining the band’s positive momentum.
This moment holds particular significance for Kubacki, who recently announced his new solo project, Sun Guts, with an album due in early 2026, according to The Mosh. His involvement with Gojira demonstrates his standing within the metal community and his ability to step into high-profile roles while maintaining his own creative endeavors.
The band’s decision to bring in Kubacki reflects their commitment to delivering the tour experience fans expect. It also showcases the collaborative spirit within the metal community. With Duplantier on the mend and a capable replacement in place, Gojira appears well-positioned to make their French tour a success despite the unexpected circumstances.
