Gojira made history on Friday night as the first metal band to perform at an Olympic opening ceremony, electrifying Paris and the world with their performance. The band’s frontman and lead guitarist, Joe Duplantier, stole the show with a jaw-dropping custom ESP guitar, sparking speculation about a potential shift in his long-standing relationship with Charvel.
UPDATE 15 August 2024
ESP has announced that Joe Duplantier has moved to ESP guitars.
ESP is honored to welcome Joe Duplantier the rhythm guitarist, vocalist, and lyricist of iconic metal band Gojira to our roster of artists. You may have seen Joe at the opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics, performing on a very special chrome-finished ESP XJ model that we custom-crafted for the occasion. We look forward to a great relationship with Joe as an ESP artist. #espguitars #gojira #gojiraband @joe_duplantier @gojiraofficial
A Chrome Dream Machine
Duplantier’s Olympic axe was a custom-built ESP XJ-1, a chrome-plated masterpiece with a single humbucker and EverTune bridge. The guitar’s striking appearance perfectly complemented the grandeur of the occasion. However, choosing to play this instrument instead of his signature Charvel raised eyebrows among fans and guitar enthusiasts alike.
The Charvel Connection
For over a decade, Joe Duplantier has been synonymous with Charvel guitars, particularly their Tele-style San Dimas models. His signature models, including the acclaimed mahogany version released in 2021, have been a staple of his arsenal.
“From the first time I tried that guitar, I never wanted to play anything else,” Duplantier said of his signature Charvel. “It fits perfectly on me, and I absolutely love the shape. It’s as aggressive as it is beautiful.”
A New Alliance?
The Olympic performance marked a departure from Duplantier’s usual choice of instrument. Images of the custom ESP quickly went viral, with fans and guitar builders praising its design. The question on everyone’s lips is whether this signals a new partnership between the guitarist and ESP.
Jackson Rhoads
While the other guitarist, Christian Andreu, showcased a new version of his signature Jackson Rhoads, Duplantier’s guitar switch shocked the guitar community.
Could this be the start of a new era for the Gojira guitarist?
- Charvel Joe Duplantier Pro-M SD ST2 Natural at Thomann
- Charvel Joe Duplantier Pro-Mod SD S2HH at Thomann
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