The event exhibition dedicated to Johnny Hallyday, Johnny Hallyday: The Exhibition, is setting up at Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles, and starts this Friday, a year after its successful launch in Brussels.
The enthusiasm for the emblematic rocker remains strong even six years after his passing, as evidenced by the success of his album Made in Rock’n’Roll. This album, which includes a previously unreleased track, topped French charts at the end of November and continues to be in the top ten alongside another notable release: a symphonic compilation of his songs that also features an unreleased track.
In Brussels, the exhibition captivated 110,000 visitors, a success that the producers, including Johnny’s widow Laeticia Hallyday and the Belgian agency Tempora, hope to replicate in Paris. The exhibition opens its doors during the holiday season, shortly after the anniversary of Johnny’s death on December 5, 2017, thus highlighting his enduring legacy despite the controversies and excesses of his life. On the day of the inauguration, Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo and Laeticia Hallyday will pay tribute to the artist by unveiling a plaque at 13 rue de la Tour des Dames, where Johnny spent his adolescence.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a faithful reconstruction of his teenage bedroom, complete with personal belongings and Elvis Presley posters. They can also visit a meticulously reconstructed replica of his office in Marne-la-Coquette. The exhibition not only highlights Johnny’s career but also his personal life. It includes archival footage of him performing at Parc des Princes in 1993 and arriving by helicopter at Stade de France in 1998. Visitors will be able to admire 25 guitars and 50 stage costumes, including a silver ensemble with a matching guitar from the 2006 Flashback Tour. His collection of jewelry, including his favorite pendant, as well as three Harley-Davidson motorcycles and a Cobra sports car reflect his passion for mechanics. The exhibition offers an immersive experience with a 360° concert focusing on seven of Johnny’s love songs. The voice of Jean Reno, a close friend of the singer, guides visitors through the exhibition.
Source: AFP
