Eric Cantona, the football legend known for his exquisite skills, acting prowess, and artistic talents, is venturing into the world of rock music as he embarks on a concert tour aimed at sharing his deepest emotions with the audience.
Cantona's illustrious football career includes winning league titles with Marseille and Leeds before making his indelible mark at Manchester United in 1992, where he elevated the club to the pinnacle of English football. Post-retirement, he seamlessly transitioned into the world of cinema, featuring in a series of films, television shows, and commercials.
In addition to his multifaceted career, Cantona is also an accomplished songwriter. He's now taking his melancholic-flavoured rock music on the road, performing alongside a pianist and a cellist who complement his distinctively husky vocals.
The "Cantona sings Eric" tour, which kicked off in Manchester in October, has made its way to Lyon, following stops in England and Ireland. Sporting his signature red sports shoes, trousers, a long black coat, and a small hat, Cantona took to the stage with an electrifying performance that left him drenched in sweat. In the intimate setting of the Comedie Odeon theatre, he treated a predominantly sold-out audience to around 20 of his original compositions.
"I do this to be on stage and for the audience. That's what I enjoy," he shared with AFP before the concert. "On stage, I become someone else through the interaction" with the audience. Cantona emphasises that he is "interested" primarily in the "moment of sharing" that unfolds during live performances.
Following the Lyon performance, the tour is set to continue to Geneva, Marseille, and Paris before a second leg is scheduled for spring 2024.
Cantona revealed that the first songs he composed were dedicated to his wife, actress Rachida Brakni. His lyrics are deeply personal, delving into his feelings, dreams, and aspirations.
While Cantona has previously made vocal appearances alongside French artists and lip-synched in a video for a song by Manchester City fan Liam Gallagher, he now takes centre stage as the frontman of his musical journey. He has already released four tracks and an EP titled 'I'll Make My Own Heaven' on the internet. A live album featuring around 20 tracks is expected to be released at the conclusion of the two tour legs.
Cantona's music seamlessly blends French and English lyrics, with themes that often touch on life and death. He expresses a profound interest in "metamorphoses," noting that we live a thousand lives in every moment. His songs often exhibit a contrasting mix of dark and light elements, reflecting his quest to find light at the end of life's tunnel.
Cantona's musical inspirations include legendary figures like Jim Morrison of The Doors, Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, and Tom Waits. He admires them for their charismatic personalities, seeking to emulate their unique and enigmatic aura.
In one of his songs, 'Je Veux' ('I want'), Cantona lyrically whispers his desire to be "old, but surrounded by love and happy people." This showcases his lyrical prowess and reflects his deep philosophical inclinations.
While Eric Cantona may be best remembered for his enigmatic "seagulls and sardines" press conference statement from two decades ago, his "non-conformist side" has won over fans. Florence Faubourg, one of his admirers, appreciates his "personality and lyrics," while her husband David, a football enthusiast, regards Cantona as a "rebellious" player who continues to hold his own on stage.
Eric Cantona's artistic evolution as a rock star demonstrates his unceasing quest for creative expression and the profound connection he forges with his audience through his music.
