“It would be very happy for them to be in this ceremony,” Thomas Jolly, artistic director of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, declared this Tuesday, October 24 in the morning on France Inter. “We cannot not think of Daft Punk when we think at an international exhibition of France,” continued the 41-year-old director without saying more. “I lied a little about Daft Punk,” he confided, laughing, to conclude the interview. Enough to set social media on
fire, and raise immense hope among fans of the most famous French electro duo on the planet, who announced their separation to everyone’s surprise in February 2021.
Are discussions taking place? Yes. According to our information, the group met the organizing committee “several
months ago”. The meeting would have concluded without formal agreement from Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo. Since then, we have been “working” on both sides to imagine the framework for Daft Punk’s possible participation. » We discuss. They didn’t say no, but they are tough on business,” a source close to this matter, followed closely by the Élysée. The entourage of the duo of helmeted musicians does not comment. As for the Ministry of Culture, we kick in, explaining that they are currently focusing on the security system that will be deployed for the event.
“They are aware that the stakes are immense for France. It would be unimaginable if they were not there,” adds another source, who counts the rare French artists known internationally, capable of performing during a ceremony watched by more than a billion and a half viewers: David Guetta, DJ Snake, Martin Solveig, Jean-Michel Jarre, the groups Air and Phoenix and the singers Mylène Farmer, Zaz, Patricia Kaas, Aya Nakamura and Mireille Mathieu.
The group has the cards in hand
Contacted by telephone at the end of the morning, Thomas Jolly does not deny the discussions but displays his caution. “Bringing Daft Punk together was obviously one of the first ideas I had. They are extremely talented and have a great international aura. But do they want to reform in the time of an epilogue to their career, when they very thoughtfully announced their separation? » the man of the theater wonders aloud.
“We must respect their history. Their artistic desire to pursue their careers each on their own is sacred,” explains the man who has just directed “Starmania”. In short, the cards are in the hands of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo. Whether they agree to a 5-minute medley or a long-term performance, their accreditation is already ready. “If they decide the day before, we will find a place for them,” says Thomas Jolly before hanging up.
In 2012, during the London Games, the Spice Girls offered 4 minutes 40 minutes of happiness to the English by reforming, four years after their final separation in 2008.
While Paul McCartney sang “Hey Jude” at the end of the opening ceremony. In 1988, Sylvie Vartan performed at the opening of the Seoul Games, in South Korea.