The designer Gaston and the journalist specializing in French song Bertrand Dicale sign “Renaud, born under the sign of Hexagon” (Delcourt). A 300-page graphic novel which traces the life and commitments of one of the symbols of French song.
Published
Reading time :
2 min
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Do you know the story of Renaud Séchan, born in Paris in 1952 and who under the name Renaud became one of the most popular and committed French artists? A singer who brought life in difficult neighborhoods to the forefront. A tormented artist too, who has experienced big setbacks in recent years, but who is back on stage. Another renaissance, enhanced by the release of this graphic and biographical novel by Alain Gaston Rémy, known as Gaston and Bertrand Dicale, Renaud, born under the sign of France (Delcourt).
BD: Renaud is having his bubble.
The designer Gaston and the journalist Bertrand Dicale sign “Renaud, born under the sign of France” (Delcourt). – (FRANCE 3 LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILON / L. BEAUMEL / F. DETRANCHANT / L. DODET / L. BERNAT)
Gaston is a fan from the start. The designer, now based in Hérault, was born in Morocco and it was there that he discovered Renaud in the 1980s. Putting the life of his idol into images was not an easy challenge. “When you’re a fan, it’s difficult because you fear disappointing.” The designer and Bertrand Dicale wanted the singer’s approval before launching. They got it. Renaud gave them carte blanche and everyone met several times during the writing. Another ordeal (which was well finished) for Gaston. “At first, I was afraid of being disappointed by the man and that he would be disappointed by my drawings because he has a very high level of comic book culture.”
Five decades of commitment
From his first cry to his last rant, it is a life of commitment that has been put into images and texts. That of a monument of French and popular culture. “He’s still the first to have sung about a somewhat tough period, post-May-68, which was not angelism. When he sings Let it go Or Walk in the shadeit tells the life of suburbanites, but from another era”, says Gaston.
This is the first time that the singer’s life has been adapted into a comic book. Double news for those who have failed several times to recover from their health and addiction problems. Renaud is making his big return to the stage this fall, with his tour In my ropes.
“Renaud, born under the sign of France” – by Gaston and Bertrand Dicale – Delcourt editions – released October 25, 2023 – 312 pages.