Pascal Obispo recently celebrated his 60th birthday during a remarkable concert at the Accor Arena, leaving fans and guests alike captivated. With over 30 years of musical experience, the evening was not just about numbers but also about the love and gratitude shared between the artist and his supporters.
On January 11, just three days after he clocked 60, Obispo delivered nearly three hours of music, accompanied by prominent guests such as Zazie, David Hallyday, and Axel Bauer. The arena was decked out with lights and filled with over 12,000 enthusiastic fans who cheered and sang along to his numerous hits.
Before taking the stage, Obispo addressed concerns surrounding his health. "Yes, I need to take it easy and I will do so at the end of this year 2025. I've started to have physical problems," he shared candidly. This admission came after experiencing health challenges earlier, including nephritic colic and surgery for an umbilical hernia, which he mentioned had made movement difficult.
Despite these challenges, his passion for music remains unyielded. During the concert, Pascal dedicated songs to his mother, his son Sean, and his friend Line Renaud, illustrating the deep emotional connections present throughout his career. He expressed, "The energy they give me and the signs of love I receive on stage touch me deeply. They keep me alive."
The experience was augmented by heartfelt performances of hits like "L’important c'est d’aimer" and "Lucie,” each accompanied by powerful personal anecdotes. His fans, who range widely from the energetic 30-year-olds to older, more nostalgic followers, created an atmosphere of shared history and connection.
Zazie, who joined him on stage for a duet, reminisced warmly about their long-standing friendship and professional respect. "Pascal is first and foremost a friend. He is very talented, and even though he thinks he might step away, I can’t see him abandoning music completely – it’s ingrained too deeply within him," she affirmed.
David Hallyday echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how sharing stage time with Obispo was meaningful due to their long-term friendship. He described Obispo as "a beautiful person, passionate about music, and someone who loves bringing people together."
The concert was marked not only by its musical fame but also by Obispo's critique of the music industry's competitive nature. Onstage, he quipped, "Everybody knows what I think about ceremonies like the Victoires de la musique. For me, it’s a real ‘dinner of fools.’ It’s all nonsense and against my values because music is about sharing!" This remark, welcomed by cheers, reflected his thoughts on how the culture of competition sometimes overshadows the essence of art.
Looking forward, Pascal has already scheduled performances across France until April 2025, indicating his resolve to remain active, at least for the near future. "I’m releasing a double album next October featuring many duets. The music cannot leave me; it’s part of who I am," he said, assuring his audience of his commitment. With 82 albums released and his platform, Obispo All Access, already brimming with material, he emphasizes he will continue to produce music even during his break.
Despite contemplating lower activity levels due to his health, Obispo demonstrated on stage he is far from ready to retire. The energy between him and his fans hints at the undeniable bond he’s cultivated throughout his decades-long career.
It remains to be seen how Pascal Obispo will balance his art with his personal health needs. For now, one thing is clear: The world of music is richer with him still actively participating. "Life without music is somewhat complicated for me. They will know where to find me!" he reassured his audience, solidifying his place within their hearts long after the last note fades.