Rock in all its forms was in the spotlight at the Pause Guitare festival, whether it was the pop incursions of Gossip or the horrific riffs of Alice Cooper.
The Pause Guitare program was of course eclectic… If, in downtown Albi, we were able to listen to local talents and discoveries from the opening of the festival, Fatoumata Diawara lit a world fireworks display at the Grand Théâtre, which will also host Aliocha Schneider and MPL. On the Pratgraussals main stage, the headliners: IAM, Hoshi, Louise Attaque, Archive, Pomme or Calogero. At Pollux, it will be Adieu Narcisse or Access Crew, and finally, on the Acadie stage, Aboiteau, Jacques Surette and Plywood Joe.
On the last day, the grand finale is held in front of 17,000 people. The sun is beating down when Dionysos enters the stage. Mathias, who arrived in a wheelchair, a reminder of his double leg fracture, takes the crowd into his benevolent madness, even creating the “air slam” that a stand-in will do in his place. Smiles for all. Then, Jim Kerr, less of a showman, is up to the task, supported by an exceptional sound and Simple Minds in good shape. But above all with world hits that will be visited for the delight of an audience that will sing along to the unstoppable “Don't You (Forget About Me)” or “Alive and Kicking” at the encore. A crowd that sings is the greatest reward.
Enter Gossip. Beth Ditto congratulates France, in our language, for the election results that have just been announced. The group plays electro-dance-pop hits behind the diva with her unvarnished humor. While a large space is given to excerpts from the new album, Gossip does not forget its hits, and ends with the happy “Heavy Cross” that the crowd dances and sings. A perfect party.
Finally, the one we've been waiting for impatiently arrives: Alice Cooper! Accompanied by his crew of rock'n'roll pirates (what looks!), they invade the space in a boat/church setting. The ship attacks the audience with the circus show we expect from it. Everything is there: “Go to Hell”, “I'm Eighteen”… The three guitarists, including the exceptional Nita Strauss, give it their all, sharing the solos: “Poison”, “Billion Dollar Babies” and the final “School's Out”… The setting goes through the asylum with a straitjacket for Vincent Furnier, the famous boas as guillotine and crazy extras are there too. We come to see Alice for a show and we get our money's worth. This finale of Pause Guitare 2024 is like the whole week. The audience was not mistaken in responding. And has only one goal left: to impatiently wait for next year.
Take a tour of this summer’s festivals in our issue 165, available on newsstands and via our online store.
