Gojira’s Mario Duplantier to miss band’s US shows over “immigration issue”

Gojira have confirmed their drummer Mario Duplantier has to miss their US festival dates over immigration issues.

“Mario is dealing with an immigration issue that has made it impossible for him to travel to the US in time for our shows,” the band write on Instagram. “Mario is heartbroken not to be with us and has fought hard every step of the way to find a solution.”

They also confirmed that Paleface Swiss drummer Luigi Paraventi is filling in for Mario - and yes, they did see the funny side of Mario being replaced by someone called Luigi, thanks to an image of the two Super Mario Bros later in their Instagram carousel.

“Player 2 has entered the game — RESPECT.”

The band are in the US for Rock Fest in Wisconsin, Upheaval in Michigan and Ohio’s Inkcarceration this week.

Gojira’s last trip to the UK happened earlier this month when they were opening for Metallica alongside Knocked Loose.

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