The two concerts of superstar Mylène Farmer, who planned to return to the Stade de France after years of absence, were canceled by the authorities on Friday, amid violence after the death of young Nahel. Fan reactions were immediate.
The announcement was made in the middle of the afternoon by the prefecture of Seine-Saint-Denis, a few hours before the first show. According to a police source, the cancellation of the two concerts of Mylène Farmer, was decided at the request of the elected officials of the department. Urban violence was significant in Seine-Saint-Denis, where “almost all municipalities” were affected, a police source told AFP.
Fans who had been camping for several days at the Stade de France
Joined by AFP, the press officer of the singer with more than 35 million records sold initially indicated that she had not been informed of the decision, before confirming the information: “We are working on the terms and conditions which will be communicated to you later”she continued.
On social networks, the reactions were immediate: “They canceled Mylène Farmer’s concert… You know that this lady, we NEVER see her there, it was a comeback. It’s incredible what’s going on”tweeted @sticktalk___.
@JulienSunrise said he was “disgusted and disappointed”. For others, it is anger that dominates. For a few days, the surroundings of the stadium had been taken by storm by fans, some not hesitating to camp in order to secure the best places on Friday and Saturday.
French Madonna
“It’s very sad, I just sent a message to Mylène and her team. So many ruined efforts…”, even tweeted the singer Michel Polnareff. Sometimes referred to as the “French Madonna”, Mylène Farmer, 61, is a singer admired by millions of fans and an icon within the gay community. Although discreet in the media, this figure of pop culture, known for his grandiose shows across Europe and as far as Russia, enjoys an international reputation.
His concerts at the Stade de France on Friday and Saturday July 1 and 2 were to take place four years after his residency at La Défense Arena and ten years after his last tour called Timeless. The diva challenges well beyond pop. In 2016, rapper Damso confided on MCE TV that he dreamed of collaborating with her: “That would be cool. Put me in the world of Mylène Farmer and Mylène Farmer in mine”.
Violence, looting and destruction have shaken many French cities since the death on Tuesday of Nahel, 17, killed by a police officer during a road check. At the end of a second interministerial crisis committee in two days, the Head of State Emmanuel Macron welcomed the response “quick and responsive” of the 40,000 police and gendarmes mobilized overnight from Thursday to Friday, including elite intervention units. He announced some “additional means” in the field over the next few nights. Gendarmerie armored vehicles will be deployed, according to Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.