A grand finale: French bands Phoenix and Air to close the Olympics

The Olympics have always been a stage for showcasing not just athletic prowess but also cultural and artistic excellence. While the opening ceremony dazzled with performances by North American superstars Lady Gaga and Celine Dion, the closing event promises to be a celebration of French musical talent. The executive director of the event, Thierry Reboul, confirmed that iconic French bands Phoenix and Air will headline the closing ceremony.

A celebration of French talent

Reboul, who has been at the helm of the opening ceremony along the Seine, is now in the final stages of preparing the closing event with artistic director Thomas Jolly. Despite the international stars featured in the opening ceremony, Reboul emphasized the importance of promoting French artists. Lady Gaga, for instance, pre-taped her performance due to anticipated rain and sang in French, paying tribute to Zizi Jeanmaire’s cabaret-inspired “Mon Truc en Plumes.” Celine Dion made an emotional comeback with Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’amour.”

The French touch: Phoenix and Air

Both Phoenix and Air emerged during the French Touch music wave of the mid-1990s, a movement that blended electro, dance, jazz, and rock beats. This wave took the world by storm and left an indelible mark on global pop culture. Although the French Touch movement waned in the late 2000s, Phoenix and Air have continued to be celebrated worldwide.

Air: A journey through soundtracks and albums

Formed by Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoit Dunckel, Air has released six albums and two soundtracks, selling millions of copies. Godin also scored the Oscar-nominated documentary “Fire of Love,” directed by Sara Dosa, which tells the story of volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft. For more on Air, check out their music on Spotify.

Phoenix: The alternative rock sensation

Phoenix, an alternative rock band formed in 1995 and led by frontman Thomas Mars, released their seventh album, “Alpha Zulu,” in 2022. Mars, who is married to filmmaker Sofia Coppola, has collaborated with her on multiple projects, including the soundtrack for her Apple movie “On the Rocks.” Discover more about Phoenix and their music on Spotify.

Speculations and surprises

While Reboul declined to comment on rumors about Tom Cruise’s stunts or the potential presence of Taylor Swift or Beyoncé at the closing ceremony, he did reveal that the Los Angeles organizing committee has prepared a 10 to 15-minute segment. This segment will serve as a teaser for the next Olympic Games and will include some live elements.

Security measures and challenges

In light of recent security concerns, including a thwarted terrorist attack in Vienna, the security protocol for the Olympics has been elevated to its highest level. Reboul confirmed that an “incalculable” amount of time has been spent preparing an airtight security plan for the ceremonies. The closing event at the Stade de France, while less complicated in terms of logistics, presents its own set of challenges due to the tight schedule.

A show with a message

Artistic director Thomas Jolly is preparing a show that will incorporate elements of science fiction and dystopia to emphasize the importance of preserving the Olympics and our world. Reboul mentioned that the show aims to raise awareness about the fragility of our world and the need to preserve our values. He added that the vast majority of people in France and overseas lauded the opening ceremony, despite some controversies.

A nod to Greek mythology

The closing ceremony will also feature more Greek gods, continuing the theme of charting milestones throughout the history of the Olympic Games, dating back to Ancient Greece. After the Olympics, Reboul and Jolly will shift their focus to the Paralympic festivities, with the opening bash set to take place at Place de la Concorde in the heart of Paris.

Final thoughts

The closing ceremony of the Olympics promises to be a grand celebration of French musical talent and a poignant reminder of the values that the Olympics stand for. With performances by Phoenix and Air, and a show that aims to raise awareness about the fragility of our world, the event is set to leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. For more details and to watch trailers of the mentioned movies and series, visit Movie and TV Trailers.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the upcoming closing ceremony, enriched with personal reflections and in-depth analysis for cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts.