Plastic Bertrand reveals more behind the scenes of “Ambiance 80”: “We’re like a family”

With “Ambiance 80”, the cult hits of the 80s come to life in a unique show. Plastic Bertrand and Alec Mansion lift the veil on this festive evening and tell the story behind the scenes of a show that brings together all generations.

RTL info: Plastic Bertrand, Alec Mansion, you come to us to talk about this “Ambiance 80” concert. You will be on stage on December 14 at the Country Hall in Liège, but you will not be alone. Julie Pietri, Christian de Zouk Machine, Phil Barney, Jean Schultheis and Philippe Lafontaine will also be there. What will this show look like?

Plastic Bertrand : It’s all in the title! Ambiance 80 is a 2.5 hour show with incredible musicians, a fabulous decor, fantastic lights and, above all, all the hits of the 80s. People sing along at the top of their lungs with us throughout the show.

2h30 of concert, is it really a party?

Alec Mansion : Yes, it’s not a concert that we listen to religiously. It’s a concert where we sing with us. Every time it’s different, and it’s super moving to see that, even after all these years, these songs continue to touch people of all generations. Many young people come, sometimes first to accompany their grandmother, and now they ask for autographs for themselves. They find there a lightness that they need.

Plastic Bertrand : The tour started with an audience that had known these songs at the time, but little by little it became younger. Today, it’s truly intergenerational, and it creates a crazy atmosphere.

We often find ourselves singing during these concerts. Is that a bit like the idea?

Plastic Bertrand : Exactly ! For example, “Let us sing” is a song from the 80s, but it remains very current. In a sometimes anxiety-inducing climate, she embodies a certain lightness, and that’s what these songs provide: two hours to clear your head and do yourself some good.

You will sing your hits, of course, but also some surprises?

Plastic Bertrand : Yes, there will be the essentials, but also surprises. We have fun sharing duets, piano-voice pieces, unexpected things, sometimes in very different styles.

Plastic Bertrand, you have been singing “ça plan pour moi” for decades. Can’t get enough?

Plastic Bertrand : Never ! I’ve sung it maybe 5,000 times on stage, but each time, it’s unique: the audience is different, the musicians too, and it’s always a pleasure.

What about you, Alec Mansion?

Alec Mansion : The 80s were a time of incredible freedom of expression. We could afford anything. For example, “Confidence pour confidence” by Jean Schultheis, which is a bit of an anti-love song, remains a striking song. These years were not formatted, and that is what we find in this directory.

Plastic Bertrand : What’s great about this show is the diversity. Each artist brings their own universe: French song, reggae, punk… There’s even a funny guy on duty! Each entrance on stage is different, and that’s what makes the tour so charming.

And in the dressing rooms, what is the atmosphere like?

Plastic Bertrand : We’re like a family. Everyone leads their careers outside of these shows, but when we get together, it’s like we’re coming back home. We laugh, we share, and we all have the same ambition: for the show to be fabulous.

Alec Mansion : It’s a bit like the Gipsy Kings. We sing all the time, even in the dressing rooms. After 10 years of touring together, we continue to call each other on Monday after a weekend of concerts!

Out of all the songs, which one makes the room explode?

Alec Mansion : In fact, they are all anthems. But “It’s high for me” is an incredible moment every time.

Plastic Bertrand : These songs feel good. When we leave the stage, people don’t say “well done”, they say “thank you”. It’s like they’re medicine.

Do you see this tour lasting much longer?

Alec Mansion : A bit like Molière: until we fall! At first, I thought we would do three or four dates. And then, we found ourselves at the Stade de France in front of 80,000 people… And today, it’s the public who decides.