The legendary EDM duo Daft punk has called it quits after almost three decades of working together (Blistein). The supergroup was formed back in 1993 (Monroe). Since then, Daft punk released a stream of classic hits that have inspired other artists. Daft punk is famous for their signature robot outfit and looks that they have maintained for the last two decades. It was not easy to spot them without their suits and helmet in any public appearance.
Daft punk is made up of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, who first met in Paris in high school in the 1980s. Originally they were a rock band called Darlin, inspired by the Beachboys song of the same name. They were initially three with their friend Laurent. However, their songs received negative feedback on the Melody maker magazine.
The magazine called their music `daft punky trash.' They borrowed from this criticism to make their band name and focused on electronic music; thus, Laurent departed for a rock band, Phoenix.
Their first single, The Wave, formed a blueprint for what was to follow. They released another single, Da funk, and then their debut album Homework. Homework was their break-out album to global recognition, and they released good complementary videos. With the glory and fame came exposure, the duo decided to disguise themselves with the now legendary robot outfits. In 2001 their second album, Discovery, was released, with hits like One More Time and Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger. The third album, Human, after all, saw classic and successful live performances, and they ventured into film.
They finally released their most commercially successful album Random Access Memory in 2013. The album also critically acclaimed, winning Grammy for album of the year. Typical of their modus operandi, they kept low key in the music scene, producing for Kanye West and The Weekend. They have been said to be one of the greatest duos of all time.
Get lucky, a single from their last album featuring Pharrell and Nile Rodgers became their most successful hit. Their collaboration with The Weekend on Star boy earned the duo their first number one Billboard 100 hit, followed by another hit, `I Feel it coming' (Monroe). They have had a successful career spanning 28 years to introduce a whole new music and dressing wave. Many artists have followed in their footsteps to adorn helmets during public appearances, but they were the first to do it.
Their breakup news was released on their official YouTube channel through a video titled Epilogue, an excerpt from a movie they did in 2006. The eight-minute-long video features the two in a desert, and one is left behind as the other walks on. The one ahead then goes back and straps a bomb on the other one and starts the timer. He then walks away, and the bomb explodes. A message is then portrayed with the timeline of the duo's existence, 1993-2021. Kathryn Frazier, their publicist, confirmed the news of the break-up (Blistein). No reason has been given for the break-up. People speculate different things, with some saying it is a publicity stunt for a big project release.
All that is known for now is the legendary duo has called it quits after almost three decades of great music and hits.
Blistein, Jon. "Daft Punk Break Up". Rolling Stone, 2021, https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/daft-punk-have-broken-up-1131309/.
Monroe, Jazz. "Daft Punk Break Up". Pitchfork, 2021, https://pitchfork.com/news/daft-punk-call-it-quits/.
As soon as I read the title of this vid I was afraid it might be the end...
The first time I heard them was in gym class in grade 6 or so and we had to make a dance trying to mimic the video for "around the world". I thought it was weird at the time and didn't realize the impact this music would have on me decades later.
Thanks for all the memories.
I never considered myself a huge fan of Daft Punk but I do remember some of their more famous songs. I always thought the fact that they started the robotic helmets movement and thought it was pretty cool way to emphasize the music by syncing the lights on the gloves and helmets with the beats. Its sad to know that they've retired but I am glad that we got so many years of them making music. Its awesome to know that they got their band name from a critic. Here's hoping its just a publicity stunt.
I never listened to Daft Punk much in terms of searching them up on Spotify, but after listening to their profile I realized how many of their iconic songs were actually memorable and iconic songs. Hopefully the theory surrounding this being a publicity stunt is true so the fans can get more music, but given the length of their career as an artist duo, I think this might be a real ending. Unrelated side note but their song with Pharrell on the 2k video game is definitely one of the better songs in 2k soundtrack history. Sad to see them go!
Daft Punk shook the music industry, so their breakup is unfortunate, but they made such an impact in their time together that the decision to part is timely and well deserved. Both members of the group now have an opportunity to produce music as solo artists and contribute authentic work to the industry, without needing approval from their other half. This split does not feel contentious. I appreciate that the pair appear amicable and that there is little drama around the matter. I hope that their conduct paves the way for future groups that are interested in a solo career because it makes the legacy of their music live on without tension. Daft Punk came out with so many incredible…
Daft Punk will certainly go down in history as one of the most innovative and mythic electronic acts of the past few decades. After all, people are still raving about their iconic 2006 Coachella performance where they were the first to live-map LED visuals to Ableton, now a ubiquitous technique. I think part of what makes Daft Punk so distinct is their sonic palette, which remains consistently recognizable throughout their entire discography. But after 27 years of having one primary collaborator and sound, I completely understand the desire to close this chapter. In fact, I think it’s a wise choice that will allow them more creative freedom while solidifying their legacy. As the saying goes, all good things must come…