Sunday, January 8, 6 PM. Orelsan is sold out. The rain falls on the forecourt of the Palais Nikaïa, but it doesn’t slow down the flow of spectators. Once again, the artist is playing to a full house for the second time in Nice. Without a ticket in hand, I head to the entrance to gauge the atmosphere of an evening that is literally and figuratively sold out.
5 PM. Doors open. The lines are short: fans move quickly to take shelter and not miss anything. Julie, 33, a communications manager, arrives at the check-in with her friend Manon. Their enthusiasm is unmistakable. “We’re here for Orelsan’s concert!” Julie smiles. For her, it’s a long-awaited first: “I’ve tried to see him three times. We’re so excited. We saw the film, we love the singer, his lyrics are incredible. I can’t wait to see him on stage.” Manon, 33, a financial controller, is attending her second concert: “The first one was in Toulouse: amazing. That’s why I’m back. It’s not the same album, but I think it’s going to be even crazier. Third time’s the charm!” (laughs) And what to say to those left without tickets behind the barrier? The two respond immediately: “Oh, what a shame!”
5:15 PM. In front of the doors. A mother photographs her son Victor, 14, in front of the Palais Nikaïa facade. It’s the teenager’s first concert—a surprise as it was a “Christmas gift.” “We’re going to see Orelsan!” he confirms, already knowledgeable. He continues without waiting for the question: “I really like ‘Basique’ and ‘Défaite de famille’.” The father in the background responds with an amused “Oh yes!” when asked if he knows the artist. By the gates. A couple waits for tardy colleagues. Diane, 29, a business owner, remains undeterred by the weather: “We’re waiting for the concert and two colleagues! It was a bit last-minute, so we’re making the most of it.” It’s her first time seeing Orelsan live: “We both know him. Maybe I a bit more than him.” A favorite track? An immediate response: “Inachevé.”
Between unexpected tickets and guest wristbands
Head to the ticket office. Last hope quickly dashed. The concert is completely sold out with no exceptions.
5:30 PM. In front of the ticket counters. Some are still picking up invitations. Steve, 30, an assistant director, and Jakem, 48, a casting director, are present thanks to a partnership between their Nice-based film equipment rental company and the brand AVNIER associated with the artist. “But we’re fans anyway!” they joke. One of them attended the concert the night before: “It was on fire, so I’m back tonight. No spoilers for the end.” And, with a wink: “And besides, the weather is nice,” a nod to one of the rapper’s songs, despite the actual rain. In line, Christophe, 57, a teacher, also picks up his invites. He’s attending both nights: “I was there yesterday, and I’m going again today. It was amazing!” A self-proclaimed fan and friend of the artist, he calls him by his real name, Aurélien, and also mentions the fitting track: “la Pluie with Stromae.” Thanks to his tickets, he was able to invite others: “They loved it.” Like Myriam next to him. This 59-year-old pharmacy technician is experiencing the artist live for the first time: “I know his lyrics, his beautiful songs… My son was at the concert yesterday and talked a lot about it.”
5:45 PM. At the adjacent counter. Noémie, 28, a teacher, proudly brandishes the ticket she just picked up, won through a contest a friend signed her up for. “I participated in several contests and won!” A longtime fan, she emphasizes: “I love Orelsan mainly for his lyrics.” She’s seen him at festivals but never at Nikaïa: “I’m waiting to hear his iconic tracks.” No more line, Mathieu, 46, a technician, hurriedly tears two red strips to tie as after-show access bracelets for himself and his friend. “These are passes for the afters. Maybe we’ll meet Orelsan…” (laughs) A song to choose? He hesitates: “There are so many… Hmm… La fête est finie?” His friend agrees with a laugh.
6 PM. Doors close. From entering in the rain to after-show wristbands, from teenagers to people in their fifties, from longtime fans to contest winners, Orelsan’s night in Nice already tells the story of the phenomenon outside: sold out!
