The group Les Fils du Diable, which once represented Canada at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT park, released their new album on November 7th. To beer as to warjust weeks after losing one of his own.
Keyboardist and founding member Hugo St-Laurent died of cancer in mid-October at the age of 45 while the group was in New Brunswick performing around 30 shows in 22 days.
“He passed away at the start of our tour. The funeral was celebrated shortly before our return… It’s as if it wasn’t real,” confided violinist Marc Anger, whose performance at the “Star Académie” in 2005 was a milestone.
Facebook Screenshot – The Sons of the Devil
“He went to the trouble of sending us a message after we left saying, ‘Well, I understand you’re on tour and probably won’t be able to be at the funeral.’ I understand. I know it’s complicated having to move everything,” added percussionist and guitarist Rob Langlois, stating that he sent it two days before his death.
His specter was still felt at Lady Davidson, where, when his illness was announced, the group presented some of their new pieces, including the title song, which is currently playing on the radio and was written with him.
Les Fils du Diable, during the launch of their album on November 7, 2023 at Lady Davidson. A photo of Hugo St-Laurent was placed on a tabernacle at the back of the stage. Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
It was his long-time friend François De Grandpré who agreed to take over the management. “Hugo, he was a good friend who encouraged me all the time and that’s how I’m moving forward with the project,” said the musician emotionally in his dressing room, a few minutes before he went on stage.
“Above all, have fun”
With their new album, which features Hugo St-Laurent, the group continues the work they started on their previous work. Likewise, he tells stories with a contemporary twist and a desire to offer catchy melodies with pop-rock, trad and Cajun inspirations.
“In ‘At Your Window’ we tell the crazy story of a man who wants to see his love like Romeo and Juliet, but he never thought she could be on the 18th floor of a skyscraper in Montreal,” said Rob Langlois.
Presentation of the album “À la beer comme à la guerre” by the group Les Fils du Diable at Lady Davidson in Montreal, Tuesday November 7, 2023. Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
“For the rest of us, our message is that what we do is great fun. It’s been a difficult few years for everyone, we don’t want to hide it, but our goal is to bring great happiness to people. Above all, a lot of fun,” continues Marc Anger, who also believes that this “musical bonhomie” has something to do with the audience’s enthusiasm for Cajun music.
Representing Canada at EPCOT
Before the pandemic, Les Fils du Diable represented Fleurdelysé several times on the stage of the Canadian Pavilion at EPCOT. A demanding feat for the group who had to perform five times a day, but overall enjoyable as they had the opportunity to practice their equipment.
“They’re 25-minute shows. We have our instrument in our hands all day and there’s Mickey Mouse opening the door to our dressing room, that’s something special,” said Marc Anger with a laugh.
It must also be said that since the pandemic, Disney has asked artists and musical groups to extend their presence in Florida to at least five or six weeks at a time.
The album À la beer comme à la guerre is available on online listening platforms.