Éric Lapointe's presence at the Montreal premiere of Ludovick Bourgeois' show on Tuesday night surprised curious minds and guests alike. It was the first red carpet appearance for the singer, who pleaded guilty to assault on a woman in 2020 – following his heartfelt interview with Sophie Durocher on January 14.
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The singer-songwriter, who spoke on the show “Éric Lapointe: face à ses demons” about his alcohol and drug problems, the violence in his life, his children and his coma episode, was accompanied by his 13-year-old son. Christophe Arthur.
“Wagging has never really been my thing, except of course when I'm on stage. What is worldly is a necessary evil. I'm happy to be here,” admitted the 54-year-old singer.
The Anything Anything interpreter explained that if the release of his latest album Je marche dans ma vie “perhaps fell a little under the radar”, it is because he did not do the same promotion as usual.
“But the tour has started, everything is going well, I will tour the province all summer and autumn. The rooms are full, the world is there. We're having fun and I'm proud of this album. As long as there are classes and people who want to hear me sing, I'm a happy man,” he explained.
A good friend
“I had received the official invitation, but when Ludo called me personally I said I couldn't miss it,” explained Éric Lapointe, who was coach of Ludovick Bourgeois during his passage and victory at La Voix 6 in 2017.
“We play golf in the summer. We have always remained friends. We have shared the stage together many times. Whenever I have the opportunity, we meet. I invited him to my shows several times, including the Holiday show,” he continued.
The singer, who emphasized being a single parent, also returned to his relationship with Ludovick's father, the late Patrick Bourgeois of the legendary group Les BB.
“He was a really good friend who, like many others, left us far too quickly and who went on to do great things. He's an inspiration and someone who was a little bit part of the wave that brought rock back to Quebec with a song like Loulou, which was a little more rocky. He had it in his attitude too.”
Éric Lapointe pleaded guilty in Montreal Municipal Court on October 7, 2020 to a charge of assault on a woman. He had acknowledged his ongoing wrongs and apologized, explaining that he was battling alcoholism. The events in question occurred on September 30, 2019. The Quebec rocker received a conditional discharge with a one-year suspended sentence on October 27, 2020.