It is a legend of popular song which is fading… After having “realized all of her dreams”, Sylvie Vartan gives, at the age of 80, six final Parisian concerts, from November 8 to 10, 2024 at the Dôme de Paris and from January 24 to 26, 2025 at the Palais des congrès.
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Among the most famous French-speaking artists, the yéyé idol puts an “irrevocable” end to a 63-year career, marked by around fifty albums, 40 million records sold and 2,000 magazine covers… more than Brigitte Bardot or as Catherine Deneuve.
You have decided to bow out. Is it irrevocable?
Sylvie Vartan: “Irrevocable, yes. I have lived on a volcano since I started, 63 years ago. I've done so much that at some point you have to calm down a little, it's time. I can't continue at this crazy pace, even if I feel the same enthusiasm. I'm starting to get tired. For now, I still sing well but it is inevitable that it will stop one day.”
Is it the idea of “one too many concerts” that worries you?
“Monster time differences are good when you're 20 years old… I want to offer decent things, in the color I like and in the way I like. I definitely don't want to drag myself on stage! “.
When you started, did you imagine such a career?
“I never thought I would have a career. When I started, I didn't even see it as a job. I simply knew from childhood that the stage would be my world. A sort of revelation, with the wave of a magic wand above my head. I am very grateful to my lucky star, to all those who loved me and gave me so much.
I was lucky to have wonderful parents, to have known two quite rare and incredible men (Johnny Hallyday and Tony Scotti), to have been in love, to be loved in return, to have had great encounters because you never succeed alone.”
Looking in the rearview mirror, how do you feel?
“The happiness of having made all my dreams come true, in a wonderful whirlwind. I can't believe it myself… It's thanks to this magnificent audience which has grown over the years and which, without knowing it, has given me so much.
This shared happiness was very enriching for me. I have evolved, I have also grown with my audience which includes several generations. Besides, I owe a lot to the mothers who brought their children to see my shows. I meet people who tell me this every day. It's fun!
I have always been free to do what I pleased. I wasn't forced. I always listened to my heart and went for it, without asking myself too many questions. Doing this job is truly an extraordinary therapy that cures all ills, and in both directions: for the artist and the public.”
What will these farewell concerts look like?
“It’s going to be like a musical comedy with the magical moments of my career which has been quite romantic. Everything I shared with the public from the age of 17 with the song Running out of fuel in a duet with Frankie Jordan. For these farewells, I am working with my choreographer Redha Benteifour, who was one of my dancers.”
Will there be guests?
“I want it to remain a surprise but there will obviously be at least David (Hallyday, his son), with an orchestra of around fifteen musicians, my backup singers and my dancers.”
Our “Sylvie Vartan” file
If you had to choose two songs from your repertoire?
“It’s complicated… I’ve sung so many beautiful songs! There was, in my early days, A little tendernessa lovely song from 1967 among hardcore rock tracks. And then, a year later, The Maritza which is of course so special to me about my childhood in Bulgaria. This song is currently used in hundreds of thousands of videos on TikTok. It’s incredible and completely crazy.”
