Iconic face of the French music scene, David Hallyday was predestined to become a successful singer. Indeed, he is the son of Johnny Hallyday and Sylvie Vartan, two huge stars from the French musical world. Passionate about music like his parents, it was only natural that David Hallyday followed in their footsteps growing up. Having released albums and concerts throughout his career, the singer notably collaborated with his father, before the latter died on December 5, 2017, at the age of 74. This year, David Hallyday decided to pay tribute to his father, by releasing an album in which he covers some of Johnny Hallyday’s biggest hits. A record which he once again promoted during his appearance on the show Quelle époque!, broadcast Saturday October 19, 2024 on France 2.
When asked about his father, David Hallyday remembered his childhood with nostalgiaduring which Johnny Hallyday was not necessarily always present. “The moments we spent together were extraordinary moments, because there weren’t many“, declared the singer, who still regrets today not having been able to say “Bye“to his father, before the rocker took his last breath.”It’s always complicated to manage, I say to myself, ultimately that’s life, we move forward, we make magnificent projects, we have the chance to be able to create, to do things, that’s life, that’s how it is“, he declared. Also the father of three children (Ilona Smet, Emma Smet and Cameron Smet, editor’s note), David Hallyday spoke about his relationships with them. “With my children, I was often absent. Afterwards, I think we make do with the weapons we have at the moment“, he notably underlined.
David Hallyday: his three children are “an extension” of himself
Subsequently, David Hallyday admitted that he had “understood later that it was complicated to be a father“. “With my daughters, it was more complicated I think. I was a little more cowardly“, he also added. Later during the show, the singer claimed that his children were “is known“, but also “the extension“of himself.”I do all this for them too“, David Hallyday finally concluded.
