Summer: 2012

Sting rocks Pause Guitare...

Pratgraussals was packed last night with the arrival of Sting, Catherine Ringer, and the American band Needtobreahte. A rock 'n' roll evening that braved the rain.

The audience undoubtedly enjoyed the first concerts the day before on the new Pratgraussals stage. On Saturday, familiar faces mingled with newcomers in the recreation centre's basin, which also hosted a second Pause Guitare evening. The heat was on, and fans donated by the organizers were in everyone's hands. There were 6,000 festival-goers on Friday, applauding Imany, Bénabar, Thomas Dutronc, and Roger Hodgson. Yesterday, the long line in front of the ticket office suggested a completely different evening. Rock legends Catherine Ringer and Sting performed to a sold-out crowd (10,000 people). Before their entrance, the American band Needtobreathe took over the space. Guitars in hand, Bear Rinehart and his bandmates delivered pure rock music straight from South Carolina. The audience made no mistake, raising their arms and clapping from the first chords. The band's frontman, meanwhile, was having fun with fans and photographers.

With the threatening storm surging, the tornado of Catherine Ringer, formerly of Rita Mitsouko, took over. Expressive and giving it her all, the Ringer played a string of new songs, including the fiery Punk 103, and long-time hits. Albi "said yes" to the artist, who was supported by his son Raoul on guitar. Hats off to the young guitarist, the talent of the young guitarist was reminiscent of a certain Fred Chichin, his father and co-founder of Rita Mitsouko, who passed away in 2007.

"Love Stories Usually End Badly." The performance by the singer and the Albi crowd lasted an hour and a half and ended with a standing ovation. This was followed by an encore consisting of two songs, including the famous "C'est comme ça." As Catherine Ringer headed backstage to catch her breath, the last-minute raindrops worried the audience. They brought out their umbrellas and raincoats for the occasion. Even though a storm seemed imminent, the music lovers were determined to spoil the show for their star. The applause even drove her out of her dressing room.

An unprecedented stage presence, the British Sting chased away the rain with his melodies, which Albi clearly knew by heart. His unique voice ignited the crowd, who didn't hesitate to dance, sing, and shout to each of the master's songs. Tonight, Pause Guitare concludes its 16th edition in style with another rock star. Jean-Louis Aubert, former singer of the group Téléphone, author of the songs "Il est temps à nouveau," "Voilà c'est fini," and "Marcel," will be the last to grace the Pratgraussals stage, after La Grande Sophie, Caravan Palace, and Izia. A final show crowned with a musical victory, that of "best tour of the year."

(c) La Depeche by Guillaume Courveille