Posted at 7:00 a.m.
How long had it been since you came to sing in Quebec?
Almost 15 years. Thing is, I haven’t put out a song record in quite a while. And unfortunately, you have to have released an album to continue your life as an artist and be able to go to a country. It’s a bit tiring, all that. That’s why it’s been a long time, but if you knew how much I miss it.
Is this show in which you are alone on stage with two pianists new?
I have already given away two in France. And sincerely, I have never been happier than with these two magnificent pianists. With two grand pianos, and me with my little violin, I have the feeling of reaching the essential. And I have to be even better because you hear every word, every breath.
Is it a return to the source of music?
Absolutely. There is everything I like. A bit of classical music, world music with inspiration from Eastern countries and songs that people want to hear, like magic night Where In the middle of nowhere. We are here to please the people who do us the honor of traveling! But we have transformed them a little, we give them something new.
Do you want to give concerts more than make albums?
Making records today, pfff… Promotion and all, it’s very boring. I don’t want to make records just to make records. I did it out of intimate conviction that I needed and wanted to write. That doesn’t exclude me from doing another one one day, but it’s time for me to make up my mind, before going there with my walker! Haha! No, but I have the peach, everything is fine. I’m only going to make a record if I have a good reason to.
You have more than 50 years of career behind you… it’s impressive!
Yes, and I’m still here! I don’t want to stay at home, you can imagine. As long as people give me love and I have the voice, the energy, the strength, I will. I’m very happy on stage, I feel like a kid. I walk, I swim, I’m in great shape. Mom left at 102, six years ago. And at 101, she asked to have a bike on site in her room. I have something to hold on to!
During the 80s, you were one of the first homosexuals to make coming out. Today, we talk a lot about gender and sexual diversity. Do you find it beautiful to see?
Above all, I tell myself that I did well to be true. There’s nothing worse than hiding behind something beautiful. Because that’s just what it is, love. My homosensuality, because I prefer that word, I lived it completely free. I have never suffered from this. But I said to myself that if it could help people to be happy as they are… It’s easier now than then, but not that much. There is still a lot of work to be done at the base.
But when you see stars like Angèle or Pomme, who arrive saying this is who I am…
It’s nice. These are girls who have talent, the talent to be honest. We don’t have to say it, because it’s private, but it’s good to make it exist and to talk about the beauty of love. I’ve been living with the same woman for 27 years, it’s quite a nice love story. Not everyone can say the same!
Another relationship that has lasted for a long time is that with the public. Is it the most nutritious?
I don’t know, but it has the advantage of feeding me without making me fat, haha! The food of the public, it is both divine and slimming. It’s the best diet in the world!
What does your audience look like?
I am very lucky. The majority are people who have followed me all my life, but there are also 18-year-olds who like me. They don’t care about my age or my white hair kids, it’s the emotion they’re looking for. They need real feelings, something deep and sincere.
How do you approach your shows in Quebec?
I am very moved. I have a big piece of heart with you. It’s been so long, I tell myself as long as it’s good, that I’m good, that I please. I don’t come here like we go anywhere. It’s like a first communion, a wedding, with people I love.
For brevity, the interview has been edited