Before they were iconic robots, Daft Punk’s Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter were just two normal French guys looking to make dance music. As the duo grew in popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, however, their vision for the project evolved.
Wanting to keep their music — and the music alone — as the main the focus, the two sought the help of special effects wizard Tony Gardner, in hopes of finding an effective way to keep their identities hidden from the public. The story that followed is captured in Mixmag‘s new mini-documentary, Daft Punk: Behind the Helmets.
The clip looks at the creative history and concept behind Daft Punk’s costume over the years, from the helmets’ original inspirations (the film The Day The Earth Stood Still) to their various renderings (at one point they had hair!). With old illustrations and mock-ups to even older concert footage, it’s worth a watch for casual Daft Punk listeners and die-hard fans alike. Check it out below.
For more on Daft Punk’s musical history, specifically their lengthy catalogue of collaborators, be sure to read our feature from earlier this year.
