Jean-Michel Labadie | |
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Background information | |
Born | Cambo-les-Bains, French Basque Country | 14 July 1974
Origin | French |
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instrument(s) | Bass |
Years active | 1998–present |
Labels |
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Jean-Michel Labadie (born 14 July 1974 in Cambo-les-Bains, Basque Country) is a French musician best known as the bassist of heavy metal band Gojira.[1]
Labadie grew up in the Basque Country,[2] and played bass in regional underground bands.[3]
Since 1998, Labadie has been the bassist of the metal band Gojira,[4] which was formed in Ondres (Landes), near Bayonne (Basque Country).[3] The whole band grew up in the south-west of France.[2][3]
Labadie is known for his energetic live presence during shows, with much jumping around the stage and heavy headbanging.[2] Of the concerts made with Gojira, Labadie said, "I don't feel like a rock star but just human. I'm looking for my place and I want to give the best of myself, and while I can be useful, I just try to do good to people".[2]
When he was eleven years old, Labadie discovered Metallica.[5] He started playing bass at the age of fifteen; "Fade to Black" was the first song he learned to play.[5] He was also influenced by death metal bands such as Death,[5] Morbid Angel,[6] and Sepultura.[5] He also cited Rage Against the Machine,[5][2] Slayer[5] and Pantera as influences.[3]
Labadie likes landscapes, solitude, nature and adrenaline.[2] He started practicing boardsports such as skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding.[2] In 1996, he became passionate about mountain biking, and found these sensations again, "but more brutal".[2] When he's not touring across the world with Gojira, he practices mountain biking at a high level in his Savoyard mountains, the place where he resides.[2][7] Labadie said, "Playing sports helps keep up the pace. For the drummer, too, you have to train. I like to push my body and the adrenaline it gives me".[2]
Labadie is known to use a pick to play bass in Gojira. He uses Darkglass electronics when playing live with the band.
Effects
Main article: Gojira discography |