At 72, Michel Rivard won’t be hanging up his guitar. If Around the block is an anniversary show highlighting his 50-year career. “It’s really not a farewell tour,” says the singer-songwriter, who is living proof that you can have a successful career just singing in French.
“I fully accept my age. This show doesn’t have the feel of a farewell tour at all. It’s more of a moment of reflection, to be proud of what we’ve accomplished, and then go around the block again. I already have several things in mind,” explains Michel Rivard.
The power of music in French
This concert, whose tour lasts until spring 2024 and whose live album will be released on October 20th, is one of great pride for the former member of Beau Dommage. It evokes a strong emotional response from viewers, delving into their memories, and it proves that the French song is still very much alive.
The singer, who received the title of Companion of the Order of Arts and Letters of Quebec in 2022, also states that she is not afraid of the disappearance of our French language, especially in singing. Rather, he believes in the power of vigilance and education.
“It will continue to evolve. People who believe in the beauty of the French language must make people love it, and that happens through culture. “We shouldn’t be worried that words in English come to mind here and there, because we ourselves used words in English when we were 17 and listened to music mostly in English, and that didn’t stop us from creating in French,” says the recipient of 16 Félix.
Chantal Poirier
Never sure
Although he is no longer nervous before a concert, Michel Rivard admits that he is never sure of himself. This keeps the flame burning and the excitement within him intact.
The secret to a long career, according to the artist who will be inducted into the Canadian Authors and Composers Hall of Fame on Wednesday, the same night as Marjo and Jean Millaire…Never rest on your laurels.
“Whatever trophies, recognitions and inductions may be, they are exceptional pats on the back and great motivation. Much more than just thinking that I have arrived somewhere,” explains the actor, who will appear in the next seasons of the series Nuit blanche and L’oeil du cyclone.
“I still feel like I’m on my way. I always did what I wanted to do and I survived by adjusting my shot. “I always feel like my most important song hasn’t been written yet and that’s a good thing because it’s my driving force,” he adds.
Retirement? Very little for the singer who considers a day without an element of creativity a failure. Michel Rivard is prudent, wise and does everything to stay in shape. Michel Rivard’s goals are to remain qualitative, remain creative and know how to withdraw when the time comes.
Chantal Poirier
Michel Rivard about:
The next generation of musicians: “I’m totally encouraged by the boldness of what I’m hearing. We recognize both the tradition and another band making music that didn’t exist in our time. I make it a point to read the trade journals, watch and listen to what comes out.”
His 50-year career: “It went by very, very quickly. It is a web that intersects career, family life, as a couple, with friends and creation. I was always trying to balance it out and it went away very quickly.”
The death of his friends and his own death: “I think about it constantly and calmly. Like everyone else, I’m not looking forward to it, but it scares me less than I would have thought at my age when I was young. I think about it and ask myself questions about the universe, about faith… I have no answers and many questions.”
-The show Around the block received three nominations at the next ADISQ Gala, including Show of the Year. The album live of this show will be released on October 20th.