(Brussels) Anonymous, relatives or showbiz stars like Adamo or Jane Birkin: a few hundred people paid tribute on Wednesday in Brussels to Belgian singer Arno, who died on April 23 from cancer.
Posted at 2:01 p.m.
“What a privilege to have known him […] I wanted to thank him for his audacity, his humor, his nerve, his charm, his friendship, his loyalty,” said Jane Birkin during a tribute to the artist in the concert hall of the Ancienne Belgique (AB) .
Arno had dueted the song with her Eliza by Serge Gainsbourg.
This tribute day was organized in two stages: a private party by invitation (family, friends, personalities) and another general public.
In the hall of the AB, a rock hall which Arno said was his “second living room”, fans of the singer were able to lay flowers at the foot of the urn containing his ashes, and leave a few words on a register of condolences.
“Bon voyage the Artist! And thank you again for your BAZAAR! “wrote an anonymous hand, borrowing one of Arno’s favorite words to evoke his music, like his restless life.
“Thank you for your fantasy, your love of life, your fantastic vibrant music”, greets another message signed Rosalie.
Arno, a Belgian figure on the rock scene, sometimes compared to Tom Waits, was known for his broken morning voice with a Flemish accent, his messy hair and his inevitable black suit.
He died on April 23, at the age of 72, from cancer which forced him to suspend a tour and put his career on hold in early 2020.
Even weakened, he had recorded an album (Live, with French pianist Sofiane Pamart, released at the end of May 2021). Another was in preparation at the time of his death, with a title he was to perform with Mireille Mathieu.
In addition to Jane Birkin, on stage just like Arno’s last companion, a nephew, a niece or even the mother of his children Marie-Laure, Adamo participated in the private tribute.
Arno had covered the song girls by the sea of the Italian-Belgian star.
Theater director Jan Goossens, photographer Danny Willems (the man of album covers, who has followed Arno’s entire career) and singer Alice on the Roof, with whom he had collaborated, were among the guests. , with former Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo.
In accordance with his wishes, Arno’s ashes will be scattered in the North Sea off the coast of Ostend, his birthplace.