At nearly 70, Jean-Louis Aubert, the former frontman of Téléphone, continues his musical journey after overcoming serious health challenges, including open-heart surgery due to artery constriction. Reflecting on his experience, he highlights the shared humanity in hospitals and the resilience required to recover. Now, with his tenth solo album ‘Pafini’ released in September 2024, Aubert prepares for a new tour, embodying a spirit of hope and determination.
Jean-Louis Aubert: A Resilient Voice at Nearly 70
At nearly 70 years of age, former Téléphone frontman Jean-Louis Aubert shows no signs of retiring from his musical journey. Four years ago, he faced a life-altering moment that could have marked the end of his career. Reflecting on the experience, he shares, “One day, while climbing, I felt a bit oppressed.” This realization was sparked by a close friend, a general practitioner, who expressed concerns about his health while watching him perform. “I hear something, but when I see you on stage, I must be mistaken,” he recalls his friend’s words.
Facing Heart Surgery: A Turning Point
After undergoing a medical scan, the gravity of his condition became apparent. “He told me: ‘The lungs are fine, but behind, we saw something.’ I could have fallen at any moment,” he openly admits, maintaining his characteristic smile throughout the conversation. Aubert learned that calcium buildup on his aorta was slowly constricting the artery. “This valve, instead of being three centimeters, was only a few millimeters,” he explains, drawing a comparison to the fates of iconic musicians like Elvis and Joe Strummer, humorously noting, “We generally die at the bistro.”
In 2020, open-heart surgery became a necessity. With a touch of humor, he remarks, “At the time, they didn’t call it that. Now, I call it the lobster,” playfully imitating the action of cracking open the shell of the crustacean. He fondly recalls the comforting presence of an anesthetist who played music to ease him into sleep, stating, “I think it was Schubert, but I fell asleep quite quickly.”
Following the operation, he quickly began to recover, even singing to the nurses and attempting to prove his vitality by running up the stairs. However, he soon learned to take it easy as his recovery took several months. Despite the challenges, Aubert found the hospital experience to be deeply human. “It’s a bit like the backstage of life. Everyone finds themselves equal with their fears, their suffering,” he reflects, emphasizing the shared humanity within those walls.
With that chapter behind him, Jean-Louis Aubert is set to embark on a new tour, celebrating the release of his tenth solo album, ‘Pafini,’ which debuted in September 2024. The title encapsulates a blend of frustration and hope, mirroring the artist’s resilient spirit.