Johnny Halliday bites the dust
Johnny Halliday in his early days, the French singer has recently announced the end of his career will be in 2009
As Led Zeppelin perform a serious of two concerts at the O2 arena in London, France is mourning the news that Johnny Hallyday - one of the nation's few musicians of international standing – will be ending his career with a farewell tour in 2009.
The gaping difference in talent, style and originality between the artists is unquestionable. So much so that the latest European edition of Time chose to argue that the only reason artists like Hallyday managed to survive was thanks to the huge subsidies that pour into the French culture industry.
But the French are besotted with their beloved Johnny Hallyday depite the fact he once contemplated renouncing his citizenship for tax breaks he would receive in Belgium. According to the television channel, TF1, 66% of the French feel he should not put an end to his illustrious career; but why?
Unlike Robert Plant whose voice is a melody of sheer energetic brilliance, Hallyday has never been able to string together a performance which doesn’t remind you of an ale drinking karaoke addict. His immaculately trimmed goatee beard is worthy of a 1970’s German pornography flic. What’s more, his extravagant range of flamboyant attires are reminiscent of Queen’s daring fashion trips; but without the natural charm. His recent trends remind me more of a bling ridden darts player than an iconic rock star.
The mere fact the French dare assign the tag of ‘international standing’ to Hallyday is a subjet of bemusement and wonder. Stood next to Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Radiohead, the Beatles and of course Led Zeppelin, Hallyday is diminished to the status of a squashed fly.
“I know that the French public will miss me,” said Hallyday in a recent interview with TF1. Maybe so, but the truth remains that the French will miss the idea that they have a popular rock personality with an international standing more than they will his music. Hallyday has been marketed in such a way that shows the French that rock and roll is alive and happening in their country.
Hallyday’s music tries to incorporate simplicity within the lyrics with a big-band rockiness. Instead the singer proves that Anglo-Saxon rock should be left to its founding brothers.
I say good riddance to the outdated rock and roll flop artist. Maybe the French will finally be able to head hunt some of the nation’s youth who have decided to nurture there voices, explore the musical capacity of their instruments and realize that there is a world of expression to be had outside of the song’s lyrics.
French singer Pauline Croze is a fine example of the musical capacities present amongst young French artists. The end of Hallyday’s career will hopefully open the window of opportunity to other French artists with something more original to share with the world.
That being said, Hallyday does have an admirably modest persona. Though perhaps a bit of arrogance would add to the sentiment that surrounds his music?
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you could scream his songs at the top of your voice...and you could understand the lyrics..,
Johnny rocked...and for many, he still does
Johnny is holding back other French artists? My cd collection begs to differ with you.
Johnny sounds like a karaoke addict on stage? The guy has one of the best rock voices in history!
Led Zeppelin is the best rock band in history, and you, sir, should keep your big mouth shut as you obviously have no idea what you're talking about.
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You got me on the photo though.
Not that long ago The Rolling Stones planned to play 3 shows at a stadium in Paris. They had to cancel the second and third shows for lack of ticket sales.
Johnny Hallyday played 3 sold-out shows at the same stadium a few weeks later.
He does not have the greatest voice in the world but is a brilliant performer.
Although he doesn't have a voice in the same league he reminds me of Freddie Mercury.
The other point you have missed is he was a success in De Gaulle's time and brought Rock n' Roll to France on his own. He was loved as a Rebel as much as for his music, something that has usually been lacking in French music.
As for the French defending their own artists, what are they supposed to do? I live in the 51st state, Australia. Until the latest elections the government did nothing so the media just submited to american cultural imperialism to save money (includimg English artists if they have made it in the USofA)
Johnny is fantastique!
(by the way, what's wrong with him going back to Belgium, he was born there)
I wonder if anyone has personal access to Mr. Hallyday? I have a beautiful custom-built guitar of his from the late-50s. It has the letter H stencilled on the headstock. I think I should return it, especially if he's retiring from showbiz.. It was stolen from his dressing room in the UK when he did a tour of army bases there in the late-60s, I believe. Not by me, but by a girlfriend's chauffeur!
I bought it from him, via her, for a song!
I found out the history only after I'd had it for a while. I hadn't heard of Johnny Halliday (the spelling I know!) till later.
So, if someone could hip me to his latest, or last, record company, a manager, or a myspace page that actually responds, I'd like to know.
Thanks,
D. H. Spider (An Englishman in New York). My e-mail is dvdhemingway@yahoo.com