Gojira tour starts with Greg Kubacki from Car Bomb stepping in on guitar for injured Joe Duplantier

Gojira have launched their French tour with a new addition to the lineup Greg Kubacki from Car Bomb. Kubacki is stepping in for frontman Joe Duplantier, who recently injured his hand and cannot perform all his guitar parts for the tour.

Kubacki made his debut with Gojira at the ReimsArena in Reims on Thursday, November 27. Fans have shared footage from the performance online.

On social media, Duplantier posted an x-ray of his hand and explained: "I hurt my hand a few weeks ago. After minor surgery, Im recovering but wont be able to play all guitar parts on the upcoming French tour. No worries though, we invited our friend Greg Kubacki from Car Bomb to step in. The vibe in our camp is high as we embark on this unique experience at home. The show must go on."

Gojira and Car Bomb have a long-standing connection. Duplantier produced Car Bombs 2016 album Meta, and in 2018, Kubacki listed his top 10 Gojira tracks in a Metal Hammer feature.

Upcoming French tour dates:

• Dec 02: Zenith Nantes Metropole, Saint-Herblain
• Dec 05: Zenith de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand

Gojira's French Tour: The Show Must Go On with Greg Kubacki

Gojira's current French tour has seen a significant change in the lineup, as frontman Joe Duplantier steps back due to an injury. Duplantier, who recently hurt his hand, is unable to perform all his guitar parts during the tour. As a result, Greg Kubacki from Car Bomb has been brought in to fill in. Kubacki made his debut with the band at the ReimsArena on November 27, where fans were quick to share footage of the performance.

Duplantier provided an update on his condition via social media, posting an x-ray of his hand and explaining the situation. "I hurt my hand a few weeks ago. After minor surgery, I'm recovering but won’t be able to play all guitar parts on the upcoming French tour," he wrote. Despite the setback, Duplantier reassured fans, stating that Kubacki, a longtime friend and collaborator, would step in seamlessly: "We invited our friend Greg Kubacki from Car Bomb to step in. The vibe in our camp is high as we embark on this unique experience at home. The show must go on."

Gojira and Car Bomb have a strong connection, with Duplantier having produced Car Bomb's 2016 album "Meta." Kubacki has also expressed his admiration for Gojira, previously listing his top 10 tracks from the band in a 2018 feature for Metal Hammer.

The French tour continues with upcoming shows, including performances on December 2 in Saint-Herblain and December 5 in Clermont-Ferrand.

Sources:

• Gojira tour kicks off with Car Bomb's Greg Kubacki filling in on guitar for injured Joe Duplantier