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At 71, Cyndi Lauper, famous for Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, announces her global farewell tour, starting in North America in October before heading to Europe in February.
Cyndi Lauper, the irreverent singer with worldwide hits that made her a punk and feminist icon, has decided it’s time to say goodbye. She plans to do so musically, with a world tour beginning in North America in October, before moving to Europe in February, as she announced to AFP. Parisian fans will be able to see her on stage on February 28.
For entire generations, Cyndi Lauper has remained the woman with the long blonde mane and the rebellious attitude. With over 50 million albums sold thanks to hits like Time After Time and True Colors, she has made her mark in music history. Although she has been quieter in recent years, she won a Tony Award in 2013 for the original score of the Broadway musical Kinky Boots.
When asked about the origin of her rebellious spirit, she responds candidly: “It wasn’t me: it was them! I opposed a priest who said my mother would go to hell. Who can tell an eight-year-old that their mother will go to hell? The second time, I asked a nun if she still had her periods, and they threw me out. I wanted to go home because at that school… some people should not be dealing with children.”
Regarding the relevance of her hits today, Cyndi Lauper explains: “Each time, it’s a bit different, but what people really come for is a taste of the past. They want to hear what they remember. If you can add a little something, that’s good.” She adds: “Between the rhythm and the sound, you can sometimes completely lose control. That’s what makes performance exciting to me because, in my opinion, people sing to escape.”
Cyndi Lauper’s commitment to gay rights is also an important aspect of her career. “I am a friend and a family member of this community. You don’t just stand by when members of your family are being discriminated against. Much progress has been made but there have also been many setbacks, fear, and anger. I stand by my sister Ellen, who is part of this community. I could never have done anything without her,” she shares.
When asked what the most beautiful memory of her career is, Cyndi Lauper responds: “I had to fight to get what I wanted, because it wasn’t given to me. I missed some opportunities because I wanted things to happen in a certain way. I’ve always kept in mind the reason I started making music: to feel free.” She adds: “The award that mattered most to me is probably being named Woman of the Year in 1984 by Ms. magazine, founded by Gloria Steinem. Growing up, she was an important figure for me.”
With her farewell tour, Cyndi Lauper promises her fans one last chance to experience the unique thrill of her stage performances, where freedom and escape are the key themes. It’s an opportunity to pay tribute to this extraordinary artist who, through her music and commitment, has influenced a whole generation.
With AFP
