CERRONE'S HYSTERIA PARTY

The French Disco King at the Olympia

Paris 

03/02/2003 - 

On Friday night legendary Parisian music-hall the Olympia, once famed as the haunt of French chanson, found itself revamped as the biggest nightclub in town. Cerrone, the Gallic king of disco, had decided it was time to pull out all the stops for the launch of his new album, Hysteria!

By 10pm on Friday night a queue of clubbers, party-goers and assorted 40-somethings were clamouring at the doors of the Olympia, eagerly awaiting the Parisian comeback of French disco pioneer Jean-Marc Cerrone. "Le roi du disco" had managed to attract an impressively mixed crowd, fans ranging from balding businessmen (who'd come straight from the office in suits and ties) to hip young club things (who'd discovered Cerrone second time round thanks to Bob Sinclar's CD mix in 2001).

Cerrone decided to make his Parisian comeback in style, putting together an all-star line-up that included his first group Kongas, Italian mixmaster DJ Spiller (who warmed the house up as a support act), German star Mousse T and the French Disco King's own son, Grégoire, who took to the turntables to keep things grooving until five in the morning.

With his aptly-named "Hysteria Party", Cerrone intended to serve up a spectacular Ibiza-style show. And he managed to do just that! On a stage shimmering in the glare of over 300 car headlights, the French Disco King made an instant impact, accompanied by a group of ultra-sexy backing singers, tribal percussion and special guest star Nile Rodgers. When Rodgers, bass-player extraordinaire and former member of disco supergroup Chic, strutted out on stage around 12.30pm and burst into the familiar chords of Le freak, c’est chic the crowd erupted into veritable disco frenzy, partying for all they were worth.

In the course of his Olympia 'concert' Cerrone took fans on a nostalgic trip down disco lane, serving up a series of 70s dancefloor classics including Love in C minor and Give me love. He also whipped up a bit of contemporary dancefloor fever with bursts from his latest offering, Hystéria (little heard on the French airwaves to date, but already on everyone's lips!) Our only personal regret regarding Cerrone's "Hysteria Party" was that the show did not feature any real musicians (their work being replaced by soundtracks instead). But then Cerrone's appearance at the Olympia was intended to be more of a "clubbing" concept than an actual concert.

The 2,500 fans who flocked to the Olympia on Friday night certainly showed no signs of regretting their trip – even though a minority were heard complaining bitterly about the exorbitant entry fee (over 40 euros!) But overpriced or not, Cerrone proved himself to be the ultimate showman, whipping up a storm on his drumkit as a solo star or teaming up as a double act with his son, Grégoire.

Bowing to what can only be described as totally rapturous applause, the French Disco King stepped up to the mike at the end of his show and promised he'd be back at the Olympia with a new show in a few years' time. In the meantime the Gallic disco drummer will be setting off on an extensive world tour, playing dates as far afield as China and Australia. No doubt about it, Cerrone's back and he's here to stay. What's more, it looks like the father of the "French Touch" is ready to cash in on the dividends of his disco influence!

Willy  Richert

Translation : Julie  Street