“They wanted to create a moment similar to the Eddie Van Halen solo in Michael Jackson’s Beat It”: Unmasking the Paris Olympics’ mystery guitar virtuoso, who shredded his way through the closing ceremony in front of 21-million people

It’s safe to say that a cloaked guitarist delivering an intense shred solo wasn’t among anyone’s predictions for the Paris Olympics. However, the masked virtuoso who emerged, wielding an all-aluminum guitar, immediately captured the imagination of the global guitar community.

After 21-million viewers tuned in, the internet was abuzz with speculation about who the mystery guitarist could be, with rumors intensifying after no official statements were made. Some commentators even posited that Gojira’s Joe Duplantier had reprised his role from the opening ceremony.

All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**

Join now for unlimited access

US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year

UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year 

Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Prices from £2.99/$3.99/€3.49