Have you heard about Amp it up, a brand new rock festival in Juan-les-Pins? Featuring big names like Jean-Louis Aubert and Nono for the French crowd, German guitarist Michael Schenker, the legendary British band Status Quo, and opening the festival, the Scots from Simple Minds. Just that… Isn’t it a dream come true?
But before diving into the main subject with a recap of this first evening, let’s first introduce the little (well, not so little… aiming quite high for this first edition) newcomer on the French Riviera. “Amp it up” doesn’t derive its name from the word “amp” as one might think, although it does blast the speakers with this impressive lineup, but because it is organized by “Arena Music Promotion,” a concert promotion company based on the French Riviera, with the primary goal of creating and filming concerts, granting licenses, and distributing most major musical events, in France and worldwide (source: www.ampitupfestivals.com).
And it starts with a bang, bringing back the Simple Minds to our beautiful Riviera after a 6-year absence. They had been seen on the lineup of festivals in Corsica or the Var in recent years, but it was in 2006 that they gave a concert at the Sporting Club of Monaco (for those who could afford to attend). 2012 sees them return, at a price still high as it cost 160€ to see them from the arenas of Juan’s pine grove. Fortunately, the pit allowed fans to meet them live at a more affordable price: around fifty euros. Bet won, as all generations mingled at the edge of the stage to fill this enchanting setting halfway.
On stage, no special effects, just very good equipment with three stacked keyboards for the pianist, three bass guitars and plenty of pedals for the bassist, a translucent drum for the drummer, and a smiling guitarist who made his instrument purr by bringing it close to his amp. As for Jim Kerr, always looking sharp, he took the stage in a white shirt and suit, greeting several front-row fans as he stepped forward on the platform, extending the microphone, almost hypnotized by his audience. The only stage decoration, between Juan’s legendary pines, was the crescent moon in the backdrop, also smiling, like the band present that night.
Of course, it was on THE song that propelled them among the stars that the audience really started moving: “Don’t You (Forget About Me).” The experts even remember the origin of this hit: the movie “The Breakfast Club,” and sang along to this much-anticipated track.
And to continue the festivities not far from the “bay of angels,” it’s Jean-Louis Aubert we’re “going to get” tonight. See you by the seaside then. See you tonight!
Photo credit: Flora Doin (www.flora-d.fr)
