French Music Legend Rocks the Big 70
French Music Legend Rocks the Big 70!!!! but wait…..there’s more! – Johnny Hallyday – France’s Elvis – who once said he couldn’t imagine himself singing at age 70, now says he expects to be warbling at 80!
And, hey, why not? After hitting the big “70” recently – celebrated by a nationally televised “spectacle”, featuring a selection of his musical pals – the fawning adoration of an arena full of fans confirmed Johnny’s status as the “numero uno” of French Rock Music.
Although he can’t get arrested outside of France – as I detailed in THIS POST – here in the land of strikes, “manefestations” ,(that’s “demonstrations “to us folks from “over there.”) and red tape up the yin-yang, “Johnny” is not just an aging rocker – but, more importantly – a cultural icon.
French music journalist Bertrand Dicale put it this way….
“Every country has a Johnny Hallyday. Johnny is the embodiment of something essentially French. He represents our way of looking at life”
DA BG hastens to add the obvious. That NOT all French are “looking at life” from the “Johnny” point of view.
Dicale continues: ”
“He is the embodiment not of rock ‘n’ roll but of France’s idea of rock ‘n’ roll. He is rock ‘n’ roll combined with traditional French variety entertainment and whatever the melody, whatever the rhythm, whatever the lyrics, it’s always very French.”
That “very French” aspect of Johnny’s music may be the reason he’s failed to conquer the rest of the musical World. But , no worries. Because in a career thats (so far) spanned 50 plus years, Johnny Hallyday has always been “on a roll.” Always selling out. Always keeping his fans happy. And adding new ones. Never a “dip” in popularlity. Never on the “comeback trail.” Because Johnnys’ never been away.
Bottom Line: If doing what you love really does keep you young, Johnny Hallyday is the living proof.
THROW ME A BONE HERE, PEOPLE!
What are ya thinkin’?
incredible! first i’ve heard of this guy…..sounds like he can do no wrong over there!
does he have asian ancestry?…or just too much plastic surgery?
great question marvin. maybe a little of both?
ted and marvin….johnny was born in paris to a belgian mother and french father. plastic surgery? probably.
sounds like this was a great party!…..thanks for including the video!
thjis post is a classic example of why i love DA BG – you never know what to expect…and what you get, almost always, is something you had no idea about before – like this artist! ab fab and brill!
thanks for turning me on to this guy..incredible energy..especially for 70!…hpe i have half as much when i’m his age!
thanks for this eye-opening post…checked out the video also…..way cool! da bg rocks!
great story ..and very inspirational….no matter what you do!
i agree karen…johnny is one guy who definitely followed his bliss
ditto marly……and didn’t wind up on skid row or working in a factory!
this guy deserves a medal just for surviving!
of course here in sweden we do know of johnny….and it was very nice to red this post about hios birthday. thank you for your constantly wonderful reporting.
think for a moment…how many opther rockers..english or american
have had even half the success that this guy has had?
totally agree paul….and would add three words to your comment
“the success that this guy IS STILL HAVING!
paul and eddie – right on! all the others are either dead from drugs, or fat pathetic losers doing “comeback concerts” every 10 years to pay their alimony/doctor bills! Johnny is MORE than “the real deal.” he’s a freakin’ original!
with ya there ankela…johnny is really; truly “one of a kind!”
i tried to get into one of his concerts last time i was in france.
but it sold out too fast.
too bad manny….but looks like you got a very up close and personal demonstration of “the power of Johnny!” (lol!)
hey ling…i think you mean “the power of johnny’s FANS” – yeah?
i’m not a fan of his music..but anyone, in any field, who can stay on top for 50 years, is definitely an inspiration.
well put cal….my feelings exactly.
i am for a long time a big fan of johnny…so very happy to read you report of his birthday.
after reading this post…i have no doubt that mr hallyday WILL still be on stage at age 80.
i agree david…..and wonder where mick jagger and the rest of the
“pushing 60 with a bulldozer” crowd will be then.
i hear ya david…..can you imaging kieth richard at 80? SCARY!!!