At 80, Michel Polnareff is making his grand return with a new album, Ma derrière tournée, and a bold new single. The iconic French artist is set to tour France and London in 2025.
At 80 years old, Michel Polnareff, the iconoclast of French chanson, is making a much-anticipated comeback with a new single, an unreleased album, and a tour across France and London. The French-American artist revealed on his Instagram account that his "final tour," titled Ma derrière tournée, will take him across France in 2025, with a major concert scheduled for June 14 at the Accor Arena in Paris. Additionally, a new album will be released on February 28, 2025, seven years after his last original album, Enfin!.
The title of this final tour is, of course, a cheeky nod to his infamous 1972 Olympia concert poster, which featured the artist’s backside. The provocative image sparked a scandal at the time and led to a conviction for "outrage to public decency." Known for his playful wordplay and bold public persona, Polnareff continues to push boundaries, staying true to his rebellious image.
The flamboyant artist, who has faced his share of legal and financial troubles, fled France in the 1970s after being swindled by his trusted associate. He moved to the United States, where he lived for several years, occasionally returning to the stage but remaining more low-key in recent times.
Before the album’s release, Polnareff dropped a new single on Monday titled Sexcetera, which tackles themes of gender and sexual orientation, calling for tolerance and acceptance. In an interview with French TV channel TF1, the artist expressed his support for sexual freedom, saying, "I respect all trends, all orientations... I’ve had no problem with that; I’ve proved it for a long time." This statement is in line with his long-standing advocacy for individual liberty.
The tour will kick off at London’s iconic Apollo Theater, marking a first for Polnareff at this prestigious venue. He will then perform in numerous French cities, starting with the renowned Printemps de Bourges festival. These concerts will be a significant moment in the career of an artist who, since his debut in 1966 with La Poupée qui fait non, has become one of the most influential figures in French music.
With hits like Love Me, Please Love Me, Lettre à France, and Goodbye Marylou, Polnareff has captivated generations of listeners with his unique voice and unforgettable melodies. Throughout his career, he has remained one of the few French artists to successfully compete with Anglo-Saxon musicians on the international stage, collaborating with legends like Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, who would go on to form Led Zeppelin.
Always bold and unpredictable, Michel Polnareff is set to thrill his fans once again with a project that promises new surprises and musical landmarks.
With AFP
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