Renaud's outstanding Performance at the Shepherd's Bush Empire

By Amandine Lonjaret & Laura Connell
27/06/2007

The Shepherd’s Bush Empire was filled with the sound of Renaud’s new album- Rouge Sang- which he is currently promoting on the UK leg of his world tour.

A relaxed atmosphere pervaded the concert. From the bar to the stage, people heartily finished their beers while reviewing the various successes of Renaud’s concerts in France.

Romane Serda comes on the stage at nearly 8.45 to do the first part of the concert. During her forty five minute performance she warmed the audience up and indeed, won them over, with both her songs and her covers of numerous other French artists. It would be fair to say that Renaud’s public was entranced by Romane’s soft voice during her acoustic session. Romane left the stage to thunderous applause. 

At 9.30 Renaud finally came on the stage. Wearing a grey striped suit, red tie and santiags (similar to Romane’s style), he seemed relaxed and at ease with the screaming hoards of fans. He began his concert with titles from his last album Rouge Sang, singing firstly the tribute song for his daughter “Malone”. The new titles Renaud sang included the popular “Quit smoking” (yes, Renaud finally gave up smoking!), Elsa and Les Bobos. It was a special evening for the loyal-fans who had long awaited the new album.  

Yet the fans of the big hits which made Renaud’s success in the 1975-1990s and his Renarde periods, had yet to be appeased. Renaud’s biggest successes such as Hexagone, Le Mistral Gagnant, Docteur Renaud Mister Renard, Je suis une bande de jeunes, Il pleut, or En cloque and especially for the occasion, the Frenglish “It is not because you are” came next. 

A particular highlight was the song “Dans la jungle” which pays tribute to the Colombian FARC’s hostage Ingrid Bétancour. It was an emotional moment for both performer and audience. No less intense was the duet Manhattan-Kaboul with his wife Romane, who came back on stage for a final sing-off.  

All in all, the concert was a success. The only disappointment was the sound-quality which left much to desire. Renaud was barely audible. He apologized for this himself, jokingly pointing it out to the public. Thankfully, it improved just in time to enjoy the final music medley of his greatest successes. He too left the stage to clamorous applause after what can only be described as a truly magic occasion.