After his “almost” 19e edition of last June, showered by the elements, the Michel does not let itself be discouraged and is already preparing its 20e birthday on the occasion of a winter version of his summer garden. The 1is February, at the Arsenal, promises to be a supercharged evening with a program with decidedly punk rock accents, headlined by an emblematic rock group from the early 90s, Elmer Food Beat. An extraordinary journey, a first album which won the Victoire de la Musique for group of the year in 1991, topping no less than La Mano Negra or Niagara, hits like Plastic is fantastic or Daniela … Laurent Lachater, alias Grand Lolo, guitarist and author of the last two albums, looks back on this exceptional career.
With almost forty careers, are public expectations still the same?
“Always, and it’s gratifying. We are lucky, we realize that. In the audience, we see several generations: old fans who followed us in the heyday and are coming back, kids who knew Elmer through their parents’ records, families too. They cover all our songs, it still works. For us, all this is a gift. »
What do you remember from your success in the early 1990s?
“We have lots of memorable memories from this period of madness which lasted two years: the album 30 cm, the Victoire de la Musique that no one expected… We played abroad, in London, in New York, in Austin, in Ecuador… It was great. It had an impact on people, our notoriety was made at that moment. The other albums went a little more unnoticed. »
We’re having fun like kids. We are sincere on stage, we couldn’t do without it.
On stage, you always show so much energy and generosity. Is it engraved in your DNA?
“We’re having fun like kids. We are sincere on stage, we couldn’t do without it. It’s our nature, our trademark. And since it hasn’t changed over the years, people aren’t disappointed. Whether those who have known us from the beginning or those who are discovering us, everyone leaves with a happy heart. The day we no longer make people laugh and move, we will know how to stop ourselves. »
What happens to Daniela?
“She’s an old woman now [rires]. We get asked that all the time, obviously. But it’s a pleasure to play the old hits, we know they are expected. We are here to please. »
Belgium
