09 September 2024
Newsdesk
In a stunning finale that resonated with the spirit of innovation and creativity, Jean-Michel Jarre, the iconic pioneer of electronic music, headlined the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The event ‘Paris est une fête’ ('Paris is a Party') was shared in the Stade de France to an audience of over 80,000 including Paralympic athletes and delegates including French président Emmanuel Macron and the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo. It was a spectacular celebration of France’s profound influence on global electronic music.
Jarre delivered a performance that was both a tribute to the past and a glimpse into the future, before handing the baton to a new generation of French electronic artists including Alan Braxe, Agoria, Cassius, Irène Drésel, Kavinsky, Kungs, Martin Solveig and many more. This powerful collaboration underscored the enduring legacy and global impact of French electronic music, affirming its place at the heart of contemporary culture. Jarre’s opening segment of the ceremony featured a unique blend of his biggest hits. After the back-to-back relay sets by the cream of French electronic music, Jarre took us into the finale of finales with an epic performance on his signature laser harp with ‘The Time Machine’. Jarre was accompanied on stage by his backing band featuring longstanding accomplice Claude Samard and British musician Adiescar Chase. A digital EP of the tracks performed is now available via Sony Music Entertainment.
"I am deeply honoured to have shared the stage with such talented artists," said Jean-Michel Jarre. "Tonight’s performance was not just about looking back at our rich musical heritage but also about celebrating the future of electronic music in France and beyond. The energy and creativity that these artists bring are a testament to the enduring power and innovation of the genre."
The artistic direction of the event, led by Romain Pissenem (Ushuaïa & Hï Ibiza), transformed the closing ceremony into a multisensory experience that captivated audiences worldwide. Jarre praised Pissenem as "one of the greatest show creators in the world today," highlighting their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of live performance.
The event was more than just a musical spectacle; it was a collective experience that mirrored the success and vibrancy of the Paris 2024 Games. The fusion of music, technology, and visual artistry created a celebratory atmosphere, embodying the spirit of Paris and the Olympic movement.
The Paris 2024 closing ceremony will be remembered as a landmark moment in the history of electronic music, where past, present, and future converged in a dazzling display of creativity and innovation. Headlined by Jean-Michel Jarre with the elite of French electronic music, ‘Paris est une fête’ set a new standard for live electronic performances, one that will inspire future generations of artists.
Paris Stadium (Includes the tracks: Equinoxe 4 Stadium, Oxygene 2 Stadium, Oxygene 4 Stadium, Rendez-Vous 4 Stadium, Brutalism Stadium, Zero Gravity Stadium)
