NBC
The Olympics opening ceremony kicked off with one of its wildest starts ever — a castle full of beheaded Marie Antoinettes rocking out to heavy metal … and boy, was it a sight.
The performance over in Paris Friday was electrifying — heavy metal band Gojira teamed up with opera singer Marina Viotti to kick things off for a head-banging revolution … while all the Marie Antoinettes sang along to the famous revolutionary song “Ah! Ça Ira!”
Red fireworks — meant to symbolize blood, of course — shot into the sky … while actual fire and each band member staggered onto a different windowsill brought the performance to life.
There were multiple Marie Antoinettes in each window — and yes, they were all beheaded … obviously touching on the French Revolution and all the heads that rolled back then, including hers.
Overall, the performance was a tribute to Paris’ political evolution and emancipation over time — which is fine … but, it was graphic … especially for day-time TV. Anyway, they went there.
Goes without saying, it was a big moment for the French band Gojira … who made history as the first rock metal band to perform at the Olympics — and they rocked out hard to ring in the big moment.
They already have a humongous fan base and three Grammy noms, so this is just the cherry on top of their incredible career — especially in their native France.
As for the no-head Marie imagery … we’re sure there’ll be people clutching their pearls.