Phoenix’s electrifying performance at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony

A night to remember

Phoenix, the renowned French indie rock band, took center stage at the Stade de France during the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics. The event was nothing short of spectacular, with the band delivering a powerful rendition of their hit song Lisztomania, surrounded by a sea of jubilant athletes.

The unexpected chaos

Thomas Mars, Phoenix’s frontman, shared his concerns about the athletes’ safety during the performance. Despite being seasoned performers, the Olympics’ closing ceremony presented a unique challenge. Mars recounted the experience on a French radio show, describing the athletes’ exuberance as both thrilling and alarming. “We were told that generally at closing ceremonies, the athletes are very happy with the pressure from the Olympics coming down so they let loose,” Mars explained. “But there, they got up on screens, they broke the screens.”

The band’s guitarist, Laurent Brancowitz, echoed Mars’ sentiments, noting that the athletes’ enthusiasm was both a testament to their joy and a potential hazard. “We were afraid for them because we had been told for the last two weeks of rehearsal ‘Above all, don’t get on the screens, it will fall out!’ And there (at the Stade de France) we saw 400 people on a screen,” Mars said with a laugh.

The show must go on

Despite the chaos, Phoenix continued their performance, trying to focus on the music rather than the unfolding pandemonium. At one point, the athletes even joined the band on stage, creating a scene that looked rehearsed but was entirely spontaneous. “We’re a little used to people who invade the stage. As Branco says, ‘It’s a thing that happens.’ But there have been bad situations in the past with people falling through the stage. There, everything went well anyway, but we just had sweaty hands!” Mars admitted.

Brancowitz added that the band was given “carte blanche” for their live show, with the only directive being to “make the concert for the athletes, because they’re the heroes.” The result was a “magnificent experience” that brought the athletes and musicians closer than ever.

A star-studded lineup

Phoenix was not alone in their performance. They were joined by other notable artists from the French Touch music wave, including Air and DJ Kavinsky. Kavinsky and Belgian singer Angèle performed Nightcall, the breakout song from Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive. Air, on the other hand, played Playground Love with Phoenix, a song featured in The Virgin Suicides, directed by Sofia Coppola, who happens to be Mars’ wife.

The grand finale

The ceremony, orchestrated by artistic director Thomas Jolly, culminated with the handover to the LA2028 Games. The segment, produced by the L.A. Games organizers, featured Grammy-award-winning superstar H.E.R. singing the U.S. National Anthem with gusto. The highlight of the evening was Tom Cruise’s dramatic entrance, jumping off the roof of the stadium to take the Olympic flag from Team USA champion Simone Biles and L.A. mayor Karen Bass.

The performances of Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Snoop Dogg were pre-taped in Long Beach, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the event.

Reflections on a memorable night

For fans of cinema, TV series, and music, the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics was a feast for the senses. The blend of live performances, spontaneous moments, and star-studded appearances created an unforgettable experience. Phoenix’s performance, in particular, stood out as a testament to the power of music to unite and uplift, even in the face of unexpected challenges.

As we look forward to the LA2028 Games, the memories of this night will undoubtedly linger, reminding us of the joy, excitement, and unpredictability that make live performances so special. Whether you’re a fan of indie rock, electronic music, or cinematic scores, there’s no denying the magic that happens when artists and athletes come together to celebrate the spirit of the Olympics.