French fans mourning ‘giant in show business’
Johnny Hallyday, France’s biggest rock star for more than half a century and an icon who packed sports stadiums and all but lit up the Eiffel Tower with his high-energy concerts at the foot of the Paris landmark, died early Wednesday. He was 74.
President Emmanuel Macron, who knew the star offstage, announced his death, saying “he brought a part of America into our national pantheon.” In a second comment during a visit to Algeria, Macron said that “we were convinced he was invincible ... He is a French hero.”
Macron’s office said the president spoke with Hallyday’s family, but didn’t provide details about where the rocker died.
The French media reported widely that he died at his home west of Paris, which was quickly surrounded by mourning fans and police providing security.
The Quebec music community paid tribute to Hallyday on Wednesday as an influential figure whose legendary status will live on.
Celine Dion, who collaborated with the successful French star over the years, including a duet on his 2012 album L’Attente, hailed his artistic talent.
“I’m very sad to hear the news that Johnny Hallyday passed away,” she tweeted. “He was a giant in show business ... a true icon! My thoughts go out to his family, his loved ones, and to the millions of fans who adored him for many decades. He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. Celine xx…”
Producer and host Julie Snyder said she interviewed Hallyday in July 2000 as she was directing a documentary called Johnny allume le feu avec Julie (Johnny Lights the Fire With Julie).
“Johnny Hallyday is one of those people who are considered immortal because they are forces of nature,” said Snyder, who produced the singer’s last tour stop in Montreal.
Hallyday was born in Paris on June 15, 1943, during the dark days of the Second World War with a less glamorous name, Jean-Philippe Smet. He is survived by his wife, Laeticia, and his four children — daughters Jade, Joy and Laura, and son Dave.