“I never thought I would have a career,” assures Sylvie Vartan.
AFP
After having “realized all her dreams”, Sylvie Vartan, one of the most famous French-speaking artists, will give, at the age of 80, her last six concerts, which will be held between now and the end of the year in Paris.
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 other French stars Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve. The final concerts of the Bulgarian-French singer will take place from November 8 to 10 at the Dôme de Paris and from January 24 to 26 at the Palais des Congrès. She answers questions from AFP.
You have decided to bow out. Is it irrevocable?
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… 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 (editor’s note: Johnny Hallyday and Tony Scotti), to have been in love, to be loved in return, to have had wonderful 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 brought 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 “Panne d’essence” in a duet with Frankie Jordan. For these farewells, I work with my choreographer Redha Benteifour, who was one of my dancers.
(afp)
