Eddy Mitchell, at 82, has made a remarkable comeback with his 40th album, ‘Amigos,’ and a new autobiography. Despite a recent bout of pneumonia, he maintains his humor and shares reflections on his past, including smoking and alcohol habits. He values his long-standing marriage to Murielle, who helped him overcome gambling, and expresses nostalgia for his childhood in Belleville. A political leftist, Eddy critiques social media’s impact on community and shares a light-hearted wish for his epitaph.
Eddy Mitchell’s Resilient Return to Music
Though he bid farewell to performing, Eddy Mitchell is far from stepping away from the limelight. At the impressive age of 82, he has made a triumphant return with his latest album ‘Amigos,’ marking the release of his 40th record, alongside a captivating autobiography simply named ‘Autobiography.’ Despite a brief health-related hiatus at the end of October, fans can breathe easy knowing that the legendary artist, affectionately known as ‘Schmoll’ by friends, remains as resilient as ever. During a recent interview with Audrey Crespo-Mara on ‘Sept à Huit,’ Eddy candidly addressed his health concerns, revealing, ‘I had pneumonia, that’s it,’ while showcasing his distinctive sense of humor.
A Glimpse into His Life and Struggles
With a voice that still carries traces of hoarseness, Eddy reflects on his long history as a ‘heavy smoker.’ ‘I started at 14,’ he shares, noting he quit smoking just a month ago. While he attempts to follow his doctors’ advice, he humorously critiques their recommendations, saying, ‘They say you shouldn’t smoke, shouldn’t drink, shouldn’t eat fatty foods. Well, you shouldn’t do anything at all,’ admitting he adheres to these guidelines ‘more or less.’
In his memoirs, Eddy draws comparisons between his escapades and those of his late friend Johnny, whom he playfully describes as a rival during the days of the Chaussettes Noires. Eddy makes it clear, however, that his smoking habit was intense, insisting, ‘I smoked two packs.’ He also reminisces about his alcohol consumption, recalling it was more of a routine than a source of pleasure, stating, ‘Instead of drinking water or juice, I would have a Scotch,’ downplaying the fact that his intake reached ‘one to two bottles of whisky a day.’
Throughout his life, Eddy has cherished moments spent with Johnny, particularly during the Vieilles Canailles tour, where laughter and camaraderie filled the air. He fondly recalls, ‘The doctors who were following him came to thank me even though I had nothing to do with it. They told me: ‘You made him have a wonderful time. He forgot he was on chemo,’ reminiscing about the unforgettable evening they shared.
Equally significant in Eddy’s life is his wife, Murielle, whom he has adored for over four decades. She played a pivotal role in helping him overcome his gambling addiction, which had taken a toll on their relationship. ‘She told me: ‘either you stop, or I leave’. Well, I chose,’ he reflects, expressing gratitude for her unwavering support. As a father, Eddy acknowledges the sacrifices he made during his younger years, admitting, ‘I was always on the road, I was never there, so I didn’t see my children grow up. However, as I got older, I became a good father.’
Growing up in Belleville, Claude Moine—Eddy’s real name—experienced a humble upbringing, shaped by his father’s job with the RATP. He fondly jokes about the financial struggles of his childhood, stating, ‘The 15th of the month was like the 5th.’ However, he cherishes the sense of community in his Parisian neighborhood, lamenting that such camaraderie seems lost today, attributing it to the pervasive influence of social media. ‘Why would I need to know what the neighbor is doing? I completely don’t care,’ he declares, criticizing the conspiratorial atmosphere that social media creates.
When politics enters the conversation, Eddy’s passion becomes evident. A long-time supporter of the left, he expresses regret for his past voting choices, particularly for not opposing Le Pen. He stands firm in his belief that ‘it’s better to have a Macron than a Le Pen in power,’ denouncing extremism and praising the everyday heroes who strive to make ends meet. In a light-hearted conclusion, he shares a cheeky wish for his epitaph, envisioning it to read: ‘Do not disturb.’