Belgian singer and composer Lou Deprijck died at the age of 77 this Tuesday, September 19, 2023, according to an announcement from his partner Vanessa Vanderkimpen. The artist was mainly known for having composed the song “ ça plane pour moi ” by Plastic Bertrand.
Lou Deprijck, whose real name was Francis Deprijck, died at the age of 77 this Tuesday, September 19 in Brussels. Author, composer and performer, he was mainly known for having composed the song “ ça plane pour moi ” published in 1977.
Health issues
His death was announced by his companion, Vanessa Vanderkimpen: “My darling, my man… I accompanied you until your last breath as you wanted… You will be my only and last love”, she wrote on his Facebook account.
Although the cause of his death has not been specified, according to several Belgian media, the artist was suffering from health problems and had recently stayed in a Brussels hospital.
The song was initially a bet between friends
Born in 1946 in Lessines, in French-speaking Belgium, Lou Deprijck was a provocative artist well known in the Brussels nightlife and party scene in the 70s and 80s.
In 1977, following a challenge launched by his friend and journalist Bert Bertrand, he composed the song ” ça plane pour moi “, intended to be the first French-speaking punk song. He then created the group “Plastic Bertrand” played by Roger Jouret. The name is a reference to his journalist friend and the plastic clothing worn by punks.
Who is the real interpreter?
When it was released in 1977, the song “ ça plan pour moi ” enjoyed worldwide success. It is notably covered by the American rock groups Red Hot Chili Peppers and Sonic Youth. But since the release of the hit, many rumors have been circulating as to the real performer of it.
In 2006, the Brussels Court of Appeal took up the case and concluded in a final decision that Plastic Bertrand was the only legal interpreter of the song, Roger Jouret.
But in 2010, a procedural report was launched by the company AMC, owner of the original tapes. A legal report based on a re-recording of the piece concludes that Lou Deprijck is indeed the real performer. However, this does not affect Roger Jouret’s status as a legal interpreter. Especially since the latter had declared to the media Le Soir that he was not the real interpreter of the hit, before returning to his remarks.
