Roselyne Bachelot-Narquin, Minister of Culture, learned with great sadness of the passing of Gérard Drouot, who, for forty years, discovered and produced in concert many French and international artists.
Still a medical student in Reims, he managed to convince the English rock band Caravan to play in front of the students. This first resounding success brought him to be spotted by Richard Branson and the Virgin records label. With their support, in 1974 he organized the concert-event of Nico and Tangerine Dreams in the cathedral of Reims, then organized the coming of Leonard Cohen in the city.
Harry Lapp Organization, based in Strasbourg, hired him as artistic director and director of productions. For a decade, he designed concerts and tours for prestigious groups and singers such as Indochine, Charlélie Couture, Etienne Daho, AC/DC, Queen and Charles Aznavour, Eddy Mitchell, Véronique Sanson and Daniel Balavoine.
A recognized professional, he forges strong ties with the artists he produces. Many of them renewed their confidence in him when he started his own business in 1986.
From Kassav' to Lenny Kravitz, from U2 to Santana, including Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, but also Luciano Pavarotti and Jean-Michel Jarre, the concerts he organized radiated far beyond the borders of our country.
A man of passion and commitment, Gérard Drouot was able to fight for many years for a project that was close to his heart. This is how he managed to convince Leonard Cohen to come back on stage.
Anxious to reinvent his profession and explore new forms of artistic expression, he was responsible, among other things, for holding France’s first film concerts.
From stadiums and zenith to the most intimate venues, Gérard Drouot has enabled an ever-growing number of our citizens to enjoy exceptional concerts.
Roselyne Bachelot-Narquin extends her deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.