How does 2011 open at La Gespe?
With rock, specifically Opium du Peuple, a band that specializes in covers of cheesy songs. They did a superb cover of "Le Téléphone Pleure" (The Telephone Cries). They really rock! That's exactly the kind of rock I love to book: a local band, an up-and-coming band, that doesn't take itself too seriously, but plays well with a rock spirit. And it also allows me to have a local band as the opening act. I booked BIAS from Lannemezan.
What events are coming up for the rest of the season?
The events include the Rabeats, for example. In the Beatles cover category, there's nothing better! We've already booked Afterbeat, but this is on another level. They're the only French band invited to Liverpool for Beatles Days. It's impressive: they play on a stage just like in the old days, with costume changes to reflect the Beatles' evolution up to the White Album. It's a fantastic show: I saw them in Toulouse, and by the third song, the audience was on their feet. The crowd really gets into it, with the screaming girls and the whole atmosphere of concerts from that era. Beatles fans are going to love Rabeats!
Any other events coming up?
Yes, like Les Ogres de Barback. I'd never managed to book them before because their last shows featured 40 instruments and a huge stage. Another event is Les Croquants, who take on French chanson a bit like Opium du Peuple, but with crazy instrumentation, saws, and all sorts of things like that. Always slightly offbeat covers. Boby Lapointe with a Cajun twist, Reggiani almost in a metal style, Brel's "Le Moribond" with period instruments. This was a band that exploded onto the scene, especially with young people. When they came to La Gespe a few years ago, the venue was packed! They didn't tour for a few years because they joined Olivia Ruiz's band. Now, they've just returned from a tour in Central America, and since Olivia Ruiz is taking a break, they're getting back together for about ten dates, including one in Tarbes. It's going to be huge!
The local lineup is just as impressive!
Yes, Boulevard des Airs will be at La Gespe on January 20th for the official and grand release of their album. And Bewildered will be here in April for their final concert with Tapetto Tracy as a guest. Two highlights to look forward to. This lineup is also an opportunity to showcase local bands like Bias and 404 Not Found. And we'll see the return of the inter-school and inter-college talent showcase in April, giving us a chance to hear a new generation of up-and-coming artists.
There'll be something for everyone…
Indeed. There will be another edition of the wild cabaret in February. Reggae with Broussaï in February and Danakil in March. Punk-rock with Les Sales Majestés. Rock with Pigalle in March and Les Fatals Picards in April. And chanson with the Pic d’Or festival, which will take place this year in La Gespe, potentially attracting a different audience, one more familiar with contemporary music.
