He had a career that spanned 13 years, sold more than 25 million albums around the world and made countless hits that easily spring to mind. Jacques Brel was without a doubt one of the most talented Belgian artists ever. He began his career in 1953 in the cabarets and moved to Paris. It was not until 1957 and the end of the years of scarcity that the great Jacques Brel really became well known. His first major success came with « Quand on n’a que l’amour« , after which the hits and records kept on coming. Brel lived and breathed concerts for ten years until 1967, by which time he was exhausted and decided to put an end to his career.

After trying his hand at the cinema, he embarked on a world tour. He was suffering from lung cancer and decided to settle in the Marquesas Islands, where he remained for the rest of his life. For his book, Fred Hidalgo collected testimony from artists and loved ones, as well as photos and stories about this period in Brel’s life. The author and former journalist talks about this adventure, which was infused with Brel’s devotion to the residents of the Islands. Achieving his dream of piloting a plane, he provided a number of services for the local population, including bringing in supplies and mail and transporting people in need. Just before his death, he asked to be buried on the island.

The book has the ambitious aim of retracing a little-known period in the life of this magnificent artist.

More info here

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This statue shows the Belgian singer on stage, arms wide open. “Jacques Brel has influenced a whole generation and will attract many visitors. I do not doubt that the selfies taken with the great Jacques will soon be around the world,” stated Marion Lemesre, Economic Councilor of the City of Brussels. « Through his talent, his voice, his texts, Jacques Brel influenced a whole generation. Today, its work continues to live; even the younger ones know the famous songs of its repertoire. «  she concluded.

Oriented towards the Rue du Chêne, the work is entitled « The flight » and represents the artist behind his microphone, his arms wide open. « It is as if Jacques Brel welcomed the walkers. We hope that this statue will contribute to boost the visibility of the Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés » stressed Jean-Pierre Malherbe, President of Merchants Association.

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The monument, sculpted by the artist Tom Frantzen, will be installed in the Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés in Brussels.

The bronze statue shows the Belgian singer Jacques Brel on stage, arms wide open. « Jacques Brel has influenced a whole generation and will attract many visitors. I do not doubt that the selfies taken with the great Jacques will soon be around the world, » stated Marion Lemesre, Economic Councilor of the City of Brussels.

Brussels, a history of love

It was at the time when Brussels would dream
It was at the time of silent films
It was at the time when Brussels would sing
It was at the time when Brussels would « brussel »

At place de Broukere you could see shop windows
With men and women wearing crinolines
At place de Broukere you could see the omnibus [local train]
With men and women wearing opera hats
And on the Imperial square
With their hearts in the stars
There was my grand-father
There was my grand-mother
He was soldier
She was civil servant
He didn’t think, she didn’t think of anything
Yet I’m expected to be smart!

It was at the time when Brussels would dream
It was at the time of silent films
It was at the time when Brussels would sing
It was at the time when Brussels would « brussel »

On the slabs at Sainte-Catherine square
Men and women wearing crinolines would dance
On the slabs the omnibuses would dance
With men and women wearing opera hats
And on the Imperial square
With their hearts in the stars
There was my grand-father
There was my grand-mother
He’d been able to make do
She’d let him do it
So they both did it
Yet I’m expected to be serious!

It was at the time when Brussels would dream
It was at the time of silent films
It was at the time when Brussels would sing
It was at the time when Brussels would « brussel »

Under Sainte-Justine square’s paper lanterns
Men and women wearing crinolines would sing
Under the paper lanterns the omnibuses would dance
With men and women wearing opera hats
And on the Imperial square
With their hearts in the stars
There was my grand-father
There was my grand-mother
He was expecting the war
She was expecting my father
They were as joyful as the canal
Yet I’m expected not to feel down!

It was at the time when Brussels would dream
It was at the time of silent films
It was at the time when Brussels would sing
It was at the time when Brussels would « brussel »

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