Jean-Michel Jarre headlines Paris 2024 closing ceremony & releases ‘Paris Stadium’ EP
Jean-Michel Jarre, the legendary pioneer of electronic music, electrified the audience at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games closing ceremony with a performance that was both a nod to the past and a vision of the future. The event, titled “Paris est une fête,” took place at the Stade de France before a crowd of over 80,000, including Paralympic athletes, dignitaries like French President Emmanuel Macron, and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. Jarre‘s performance celebrated France’s significant role in shaping global electronic music.
A Historic Celebration of French Electronic Music
The ceremony showcased a vibrant collaboration between Jarre and a new wave of French electronic artists, including Alan Braxe, Agoria, Cassius, Irène Drésel, Kavinsky, Kungs, and Martin Solveig, among others. This blend of generations, therefore, emphasized the lasting influence and relevance of French electronic music on contemporary culture. Notably, Jarre’s set included some of his most iconic tracks, culminating in an unforgettable performance of “The Time Machine” on his signature laser harp. Moreover, he was joined on stage by his longtime collaborator Claude Samard and British musician Adiescar Chase.
Sony Music has released a digital EP titled Paris Stadium, featuring the tracks performed during the ceremony. The EP includes reimagined versions of Jarre‘s classics such as “Equinoxe 4 Stadium,” “Oxygene 2 Stadium,” and “Rendez-Vous 4 Stadium.”
Reflecting on the evening, Jarre expressed his honor in sharing the stage with such talented artists. “Tonight was about more than just paying homage to our musical roots; it was a celebration of the future of electronic music in France and beyond. The energy and creativity these artists bring are a testament to the genre’s enduring power.”
Romain Pissenem, known for his work with Ushuaïa & Hï Ibiza, directed the ceremony, turning it into a multisensory experience that captivated viewers worldwide. Jarre praised Pissenem‘s visionary approach, calling him “one of the greatest show creators in the world today.”
‘Paris Stadium’ EP Captures the Essence of the Ceremony
The closing ceremony was a collective experience, blending music, technology, and visual art to capture the spirit of Paris and the Olympic movement. This landmark event, headlined by Jean-Michel Jarre and the crème de la crème of French electronic music, set a new standard for live electronic performances, one that will undoubtedly inspire future generations.
Paris Stadium EP Tracklist:
1. Paris Stadium (Equinoxe 4 Stadium, Oxygene 2 Stadium, Oxygene 4 Stadium, Rendez-Vous 4 Stadium, Brutalism Stadium, Zero Gravity Stadium)
2. Industrial Revolution P2 Stadium
3. Time Machine Stadium
