Sometime before COVID-19 changed the world, I traveled to Paris. It was December, rainy and cold. But with warm clothes, a good raincoat and a waterproof backpack for my camera, I set out. For a week I roamed the various districts of the city. Each day a different walk.
Coincidentally, the funeral of the legendary Johnny Hallyday took place during my stay. For a day the city changed. Streets were cordoned off with crush barriers. Camera crews from all over took their place. Security guards were everywhere. Large groups of fans on motorcycles gathered. Everyone wanted to get a glimpse of the hearse. Paris mourned the loss of an idol and so did president Macron.
This was the second time I’ve run into Johnny. The first time was in 1960. In the spring he released his first hit Laisse les filles on the Vogue label.
I was a three-year-old toddler walking the boulevard in Cannes with my parents. And suddenly he walked towards us. It was the start of his career. I can still remember that moment very well because of my mother’s reaction.
And now at the end, our paths crossed again.
My favorite song by Johnny
