The 2024 Paris Olympics has come to a close after an exciting few weeks of incredible competitions. The opening ceremony last month was quite the unique experience; and the closing ceremony has been similarly entertaining. Phoenix fans, in particular, got a real treat this afternoon with an unexpected performance from the band at the closing ceremony.
Videos by American Songwriter
Today’s closing ceremony kicked off with notably contrasting weather from the opening ceremony last month. The Olympics opened on a particularly rainy day, and the closing ceremony kicked off in sweltering heat. Despite the weather, Phoenix delivered quite a memorable, high-energy set.
The rock stars put on an incredible show in front of a crowd of thousands of Olympians and fans from around the globe. Phoenix was the first of several bands to close out the events with a powerhouse performance of “Lisztomania”. They also performed their hits “If I Ever Feel Better” and “1901” before bringing out two surprise guests: Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend and famed Cambodian rapper/singer VannDa.
In a celebration of French music artistry, electronic musician Kavinsky came out to perform a stellar rendition of “Knightcall” with Belgian singer/songwriter Angèle. French duo Air also made an appearance with a performance of their song “Playground Love”. American music artists H.E.R., Billie Eilish, and Red Hot Chili Peppers are also slated to perform tonight.
French Band Phoenix Closes Out the Olympics in Style
Fans are already heading to their respective social media sites to sing Phoenix’s praises after their performance at the 2024 Olympics.
“Phoenix doing Lisztomania into Kavinsky’s Night Call has absolutely made this olympic closing ceremony,” said one fan.
“lisztomania into nightcall by kavinsky with live vocals with phoenix!” said another. “then air playing playground love! ahhh!”
Phoenix are a French indie rock outfit that formed in the city of Versailles back in 1995. They’re one of the few hitmakers from the 1990s who have managed to keep their original lineup in place decades later. The band is known for hits like “1901” and “Lisztomania” from their 2009 Grammy Award-winning album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.
The band hasn’t released new music since the 2022 record Alpha Zulu, so it was quite a treat to see the very much underrated band close out the Olympics in their native France.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics come to a close, host Snoop Dogg will hand over the torch to the United States in anticipation of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Photo by MAST IRHAM/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.