On the 2nd of December, the Ukrainian rock-band Okean Elzy closed its "20 Years Together" tour in Paris with an amazing show!
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| Okean Elzy - Paris - 02 Dec. 2014 Photo: © Fiodor Gnetkov |
I was there and I can say that there was a warm and friendly atmosphere at the "Cabaret Sauvage". For sure, I'll never forget that evening...
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| Okean Elzy - Paris - 02 Dec. 2014 Photo: © J'aime l'Ukraine |
First of all, I must say that, like in London, I didn't have the opportunity to transmit to Svyatoslav Vakarchurk the special gift I created for him. Honestly, I didn't expect to meet Svyatoslav or any other member of the band: I know that being on tour is exhausting and that they were to busy for this. But I was in touch with the Organizer of the concert who proposed me, a few days ago, to help me: he was supposed to give my booklet to Vakarchuk...
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| Okean Elzy - Paris - 02 Dec. 2014 Photo: © Fiodor Gnetkov |
He was there to show that he was the boss... not to help anyone!
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| Okean Elzy - Paris - 02 Dec. 2014 Photo: © Fiodor Gnetkov |
If this was a bit frustrating, I must admit that I found it very funny. But after a few minutes, I focused my attention on the spectators - it was much more interesting!
I then talked with very friendly Ukrainians - but aren't all Ukrainians friendly? :)
We exchanged for several minutes about:
- The interest of learning foreign languages;
- How I've discovered Okean Elzy, my blog in English & my translations of Vakarchuk's texts into French: it seems that, if it sounds strange to Westerners, Ukrainians are also very surprised (and are very proud!) to know that French people could be interested in Ukrainian music & culture! :) But what makes me want to move on these projects is the positive feedbacks I receive since several months from Ukrainian, Russian & Belarussian fans! Thanks to you, my friends!
- Why Ukrainians are now frequently wearing the colors of their country: the Ukrainian flag, vyshyvankas, etc. and why the Okean Elzy's official communication is now mainly in Ukrainian (and no more in Russian). This is something I understand: In critical time, people need to come together on common values.
This was a really good discussion and I had a very good time!
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| Okean Elzy - Paris - 02 Dec. 2014 Photo: © J'aime l'Ukraine |
Like in London, the band performed about 25 songs, mixing high energy songs and romantic ballads.
Within the audience, I travelled through 20 years of music and poetry... It has been an incredible experience! I would have liked this concert to never ends...
Thanks for the show, Okean Elzy!!!
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| Okean Elzy - Paris - 02 Dec. 2014 Photo: © J'aime l'Ukraine |
