In 1997, Bruno Pelletier's career took an important turn, propelling his star to the highest levels. The trigger? The album Misererewhose singer celebrates his 25th todaye Birthday on tour. “This album was the starting point of everything. “It changed everything,” he admits.
“In my career there is a before miserere and an after miserere. This album confirmed to me that I will be able to support my family, make a living from my music and do this for the rest of my life. I think it's worth celebrating today, 25 years later,” the singer continues.
The years following the release of Miserere represented an “absolutely crazy time” in the career – and life – of Bruno Pelletier. Because just a few months after the release of this album, the singer revived the character Gringoire in the now legendary musical Notre Dame de Paris to life, garnered acclaim first in France and then in Canada before embarking on a world tour.
“Bittersweet memories
During this time, Bruno Pelletier traveled back and forth between Quebec and France; here he presented the world of Miserere on stage. In France he pushed forward at breakneck speed the bill for the Times of the Cathedrals, Lune, Florence and other La fête des fous.
But when his star reached new heights, the singer experienced a particularly difficult time. These years awaken a “bittersweet” memory for him today.
“On the one hand, I have experienced extremely rewarding things professionally. But on the other hand, I was going through a difficult time: a divorce, exhaustion – I was on the verge of burnout – and I was damaging my voice performing Notre Dame de Paris six nights a week. I came away exhausted and had to take some time off,” admits Bruno Pelletier.
More calm
However, it is a much calmer and more relaxed singer who is taking up pieces from the album Miserere again on stage today, celebrating its 25th anniversary somewhat belatedly. A special edition of the record was released in 2022, but the tour had to be postponed to complete the previous tour.
But the singer would certainly not be satisfied with the ten pieces that make up this album and that complement the program of his concerts. On display, of course, are his immortal paintings “Le temps des Cathedrals” and “La Manic” as well as paintings that allow him to revisit his most significant influences.
And these are particularly diverse; His track record is evidence of this, as the singer has dedicated himself to pop as well as rock, jazz and lyrical singing over the course of his 40-year career.
“I have already been criticized for dabbling in different styles of music. People said I didn't know where I was going or who I was. But I've always been musically curious; “I was influenced by Sting, Peter Gabriel, Gino Vannelli, I did musicals… That’s all who I am,” explains Bruno Pelletier.
On the way to more intimate tours
The Miserere tour was also the perfect opportunity to show the extent of his musical universe, as the singer was surrounded by almost fifteen musicians in addition to backing vocalist Kim Richardson. Because Bruno Pelletier no longer intends to continue putting on such large-scale performances.
But fans can rest assured; Miserere does not represent his swansong. The singer is already planning another series of concerts, this time in a more intimate format.
“Miserere, this is not a farewell tour. I want to continue singing as long as possible. But I want to have the resources to be able to offer people what they expect from me. So as long as the voice is there, I will continue,” assures Bruno Pelletier.
- Bruno Pelletier's Miserere tour stops at the Théâtre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts on March 2nd and the Théâtre Capitole in Québec on November 1st and 2nd. For all dates: brunopelletier.com