Christian Picard

La voix originelle du groupe Raoul Petite

Is this the portrait of a single man? No, it’s that of an unclassifiable group with class! Raoul Petite album titles tell the band members’ story, explain what they’re about and make you want to listen to them. Seeing them live on stage is even better, because Raoul Petite shows brim with energy, community spirit and a touch of madness. The band is the doyen of French groups currently performing, and defies categorisation. Led by singer Christian Picard, AKA Carton – who at 44 still shows no sign of ageing – the group played its first gig in Apt in 1979, and has since performed in a string of legendary venues, including the Olympia, where it headlined three times, La Cigale, the Bataclan, and Fête de l’Huma where it celebrated its 20th anniversary. So what drives them? Carton is quick to respond: “The team and the atmosphere in the audience. There are ten of us on stage and the band’s energy, the way we interact with the audience is omnipresent. We cover everything, rock, reggae, funk, slam, even the waltz on our latest album, it’s all about sound and musical vibrations.” The group has had its fair share of exits and entrances but its soul remains intact. “The key is to be serious without ever taking yourself seriously! Our longevity comes down to the importance we give to the band, there’s never a war of egos.”

The songs are written and composed as a group, even if most of the writing is done by Christian Picard. On their latest album, released in March 2020, “Amours kamikazes” has an air of Gainsbourg about it. The title refers to addictions, and the lyrics reveal new layers of meaning each time you listen to them.

Dates dans la région 2023 (à l’heure où nous imprimons)

1^er juillet : Festival ZicPourTous (Grambois, 84)

13 août : Insane festival (Apt, 84)

By Valérie Rouger