SYDNEY-BASED MUSIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY IDENTITY REVEALED AS HOODED GUITARIST AT PARIS OLYMPICS CLOSING CEREMONY

Image credit: Antoine Wagner @antoinewagnerstudio | Left: Christian Mazzalai Phoenix Guitarist. Right: Noé Efira

Those working in the Australian music products industry may know Sydney-based musician Noé Efira as a knowledgable and amiable representative of brands such as Ernie Ball, Peavey, AKG, Taylor guitars, TC Electronic and Behringer.

I wonder how many also know that in a thrilling revelation of the Paris 2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony on 11 August 2024, Noé Efira was unmasked as the mystery hooded guitarist alongside Phoenix. The French born artist, who resides just south of Sydney, captivated audiences worldwide, adding a dramatic twist to the Grammy-winning band’s highly anticipated performance. Noé’s powerful and dynamic guitar solo was a standout highlight of the event, blending seamlessly with Phoenix’s electrifying set and leaving viewers across the globe with one lingering question: Who was the hooded guitarist?

Noé Efira commented on his current performance:
“I’ve played this solo live with Phoenix multiple times over the years, at both Australian and US shows. The opportunity came to perform this very solo at the Stade De France in Paris for the closing ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games. What a huge honor to play alongside Phoenix, Air, Kavinsky, Angele, Vampire Weekend, and Vann Da. This is a moment I will never forget”.

In 1999, Noé’s high school friends, Phoenix, asked him to play on their debut album, United. They were looking for a really in-your-face guitar sound, which led to the recording of the now-legendary solo for “Funky Squaredance”. Noé’s passion for music and guitars continued to grow over the years, leading to amazing opportunities, including a performance with Phoenix earlier this year in San Francisco, and his biggest performance to date at the 2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony, reaching millions of people.

Noé is also a talented composer, having made music for plays and short films, and he also manages his own Patreon page, Noe’s Garage Jams, where he offers rock guitar video lessons. In his free time, Noé is a passionate cook and enjoys collecting vintage guitars, amplifiers and effects, plus 1980s era skateboards.

View the Performance (See Noé at 10.50) THANK YOU PARIS! Closing Ceremony Highlights