I have this opportunity this honor. But my meeting with Brel date much further. I was a kid, I saw this face in black and white, this man who gives everything on stage, as if after there was nothing. And then these wonderful texts, this wonderful music… He is an artist that I have long admired. And the fact of working with Gerard Jouannest, it’s great. Being able, in quotes and in all humility, to walk in his footsteps….
That means that I admire all these artists who have not bent to the trade, but instead, bent the profession on themselves, which are to be finally defeated them. They have made no compromises and no matter what people said. It’s wonderful.
I remain myself, I’m honest. I do not consider my job as a sprint but a marathon. Today, it works for me. My last two albums, and Gibraltar Dante have been successful. But perhaps the next will not work and you forget me. I am the thread of the moment. I ignore the consequences, I do what I want to do, and we’ll see. And then all this is not very serious. The key is to be healthy, be at peace with itself and with its own.
Brel and Aznavour had two approaches to the craft completely different. They did not have the same philosophy. Aznavour is more in tune with the craft as it was yesterday and as it is today. While Brel is an alien. Mind you, I’m not saying Aznavour makes compromises. It is also a great!
It sure was hard. And even brave for giving me this award. But I think the real symbol is me and my history. My approach is to be a donor of hope. If someone like me, who grew up where he grew up, which has experienced so much, can do that, well, everyone can do. The message, he is there. After, being recognized by his peers, is indeed an honor. But again, this is only a means, not an end.