Gojira have announced that drummer Mario Duplantier will be unable to perform at the band's scheduled US festival appearances because of ongoing visa and immigration issues.

The French metal group shared the news shortly before their performance at Rock Fest in Wisconsin, explaining that despite significant efforts to resolve the situation, Mario was unable to enter the United States in time for the concerts.The band said that he was deeply disappointed to miss the performances and had worked hard to find a solution.To ensure the shows could still go ahead, Gojira recruited Luigi Paraventi, drummer for Paleface Swiss, as a temporary replacement.

The band thanked Paraventi for stepping in at short notice and jokingly referenced the famous Nintendo brothers by describing the change as 'Player two has entered the game'.Following Rock Fest, Gojira remain scheduled to perform at Upheaval Festival in Michigan and the Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival in Ohio.

These appearances come after the band recently completed a series of UK and European stadium shows supporting Metallica, including two concerts at London Stadium.The situation is part of a wider pattern of international artists facing difficulties with US visa processing.

The article notes that Enter Shikari cancelled a North American tour in May because of similar immigration problems, while FKA Twigs also had to cancel US tour dates in 2025 for the same reason.

Gojira have not released a new studio album since 2021's 'Fortitude', although they have issued standalone singles, including 'Our Time Is Now' and 'Mea Culpa (Ah!Ça ira!)', the latter of which they performed during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.