Johnny Hallyday and the Epic of Carpentras in 1994
On June 4, 1994, the town of Carpentras experienced an unforgettable event: the arrival of Johnny Hallyday, accompanied by an impressive procession of bikers, for the wedding of his friend Jo Rodriguez. A look back at this memorable day which left its mark on the locals forever.
The origin of “HDC Desperados”
To understand this exceptional arrival, we have to go back to 1992, the year when Johnny Hallyday co-founded the biker group “HDC Desperados” with a passionate friend. This association, intended for Harley Davidson lovers, decided to meet for the first time in Carpentras in June 1994, a decision influenced by Jo Rodriguez, the bodyguard and close friend of Johnny, himself a native of Carpentras.
A wedding under the sign of the rockstar
On June 4, Jo Rodriguez chose Johnny Hallyday as best man at her wedding. From the morning, the city is invaded by thousands of motorcycles coming to escort the star. The city center of Carpentras is bustling, the streets vibrate to the sound of engines and the excitement of spectators. A cable channel report immortalizes this surreal day, where Johnny's arrival takes on the appearance of a state visit.
Improvised concert at the Saint Ponchon racecourse
After the ceremony, Johnny and his wife Adeline Blondieau, accompanied by Jean-Claude Camus, headed towards the Saint Ponchon racecourse. There, around 30,000 people are impatiently waiting for the star. A mini-concert is organized, during which Johnny performs six songs, accompanied by guitarist Paul Personne. Presented by Sophie Favier, the event attracts crowds for three days, with entry set at 50 francs.
A first visit in 1961
Long before this memorable day, Johnny had already sung in Carpentras. In 1961, when he was 18 years old, he performed on the town hall square during a singing tour organized by the merchants' association, already proving the affection he had for this city.
