Gilbert Montagné reflects on Johnny Hallyday’s life lessons

© Aslan-Rindoff – Bestimage

Gilbert Montagné recently delved into his memories with Johnny Hallyday. The singer shared a brutal yet insightful warning from the Taulier that deeply impacted him for life.

On the set of Vivement dimanche, Gilbert Montagné emotionally opened up about his relationship with Johnny Hallyday. A pivotal encounter born in the 70s that profoundly influenced his journey. At the time, during a delicate period, the Taulier extended a helping hand by inviting him on stage. A powerful gesture marking the beginning of a sincere relationship between the two artists:

“Johnny didn’t give me the mic to sing, but it suited me fine to be a musician. We played rock and roll, and that was great. Johnny welcomed me in such a beautiful way!”

But beyond music, Johnny Hallyday also imparted valuable lessons on the behind-the-scenes of the industry to the performer of “Les Sunlights des tropiques”. Gilbert Montagné still remembers those words:

“He told me ‘Remember there are a lot of vultures circling around you, waiting for you to fall’ […] He said to me: ‘you know, we are always alone’, and he was not wrong, but it’s not sad. In our physical envelope, we are alone, but the good news is that we have everything we need in store to continue, to build, rebuild.”

Words that resonated throughout his career. Even today, Gilbert Montagné sees in these exchanges a true life lesson conveyed by a legend he admired since childhood: “He’s the one who really made me want to sing. Him and Eddy Mitchell for the French at least. When I was a kid, I adored them“.