Can you explain the concept of your brand new show, entitled And There you go ?
Stephan EICHER : “I wanted to create a new group for this album, but above all I wanted to offer an original show to take the public on a journey and make them dream. I created an instrument, similar to a monumental piano, which takes the place of a large dinner table. We sit around. I play the guitar and I sing, there is a harpist and a bass player who also plays drums. There will also be surprises, with magic tricks…”
The idea for the show would have come to you during the pandemic, a period during which meeting six at the table had almost become a crime…
” It’s true. At first, giving two or four kisses and then not at all didn’t bother me that much. On the other hand, I missed being able to hug people or gather around a table to eat, drink, tell jokes, or even yell at each other. I’m clearly more of the table team than the tablet. The reality is still more important than the virtual. Also, when I explained that I wanted to install a table in the middle of the stage, I was taken for a fool, telling me that it would be difficult, that it was not a good idea for a show. That’s what made me say banco! I like it when people tell me it’s not possible [rires]. »
Are you aware that some of your songs are now an integral part of the French musical heritage, even though you are of… Swiss nationality?
“I remind you that I still paid my taxes in France for twelve years and I never had the right to vote [rires]. More seriously, I have a great fondness for France, which adopted me very quickly, despite my sharp accent. It was also at your place that I met my friend Philippe Djian, for me the greatest French writer still alive, and who wrote me such beautiful texts. His words have the ability to take me each time to a new world. A bit like a goldfish constantly rediscovering its environment…”
Precisely, speaking of songs, which ones will you reserve for us?
“I will sing some of my latest album, Ode , but also the best known of my repertoire, not only for the public who came especially to hear them but also for me. With the news and what’s going on in Ukraine, a song like lunch in peace offers another resonance. And especially the word peace… I almost feel compelled to interpret it. »
Even if you don’t, you’ll be 63 this summer. Does this scare you?
“Yes, it scares me [rires]. When I wake up I feel like I’m 90 but when I come off the stage I’m 12! You will therefore understand that I am not yet ready to retire [rires]. »
You will be in concert on February 28 in Thionville and March 2 in Yutz. Did you know that these two cities touch each other?
“Not at all, no [rires]. I can only see two explanations for this strange choice: either the promoters of my shows don’t know anything about geography, or the public in this corner of France particularly appreciates me. I let you choose which of the two you prefer to put in your diary [rires]. »
In concert on Tuesday February 28 at 8 p.m. at the Théâtre de Thionville and on March 2 at 8:30 p.m. at L’AmphY in Yutz.
