After the electrifying opening ceremony featuring the French metal band Gojira, the Olympics closing ceremony is shaping up to be another unforgettable event for rock music lovers. The iconic Los Angeles rock band, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, are set to perform at the closing ceremony. According to Variety, other major Los Angeles artists, including Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg, will also take the stage in Paris.
As the next Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles in July 2028, the closing ceremony’s theme will focus on Los Angeles arts, though it won’t be limited to just music. Tom Cruise is expected to make a special appearance, performing a live stunt in France and featuring in a prerecorded segment where he parachutes onto the Hollywood sign.
After the performances, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass will receive the Olympic Torch, officially kicking off preparations for the 2028 games. The closing ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, August 11th, at 3 p.m. EST.
When it comes to rock music, The Red Hot Chili Peppers are a perfect choice to represent both the genre and the Los Angeles music scene. Over the past 30 years, the band has become synonymous with California, thanks to hits like “Californication,” “Dani California,” and “Under the Bridge.” Their deep connection to Los Angeles makes them an ideal fit for this event.
However, some might argue that Metallica, the world’s biggest metal band, could have brought the same level of intensity that Gojira did at the opening ceremony. While there’s no doubt that The Red Hot Chili Peppers will deliver a fantastic performance, Metallica’s energy might have been a closer match.
Gojira’s performance sparked some controversy, with a few viewers falsely claiming it had satanic overtones. In response, the Olympics committee has reportedly made several adjustments to the closing ceremony to avoid similar issues. Given this, it’s understandable that they opted for a less intense rock act this time around.
