Exclusive Yves Frulla interview
This interview is exclusive to Behind The Star, please do not
reproduce without my permission.
- How did you get the job?
I auditioned in 1990 in a small theater that they rented for the auditions. They gave me
three songs from the Unison album to program (on the
keyboard) and play
with the band that was there at the time.
- Who would you consider to be your best friend in the team?
I don't have a specific best friend. They are all my friends.
- What are you doing at the moment?
I went to Miami Florida to do pre-production on the upcoming tour of Julio Iglesias. I was
asked to do the tour as 2nd keyboard player but I have declined
because of commitments in Montreal. I will be playing on a late night TV show starting the 18th of
September 2000.
- Are you married or single?
I am single but I have a girlfriend of 3 years.
- What did Céline say to you and the other musicians when she decided to
stop?
Céline mentioned that it was time to stop after so many years of being
on the road, because we were all getting tired of that and it was time to
move on to
other things.
- Does the band get much contact with the fans, and did you enjoy it?
We have made friends on the road since the last 10 years and we take
care of our fans. It was very touching for us when Kirsty gave us that
card dedicated
to the band. We are the unsung heroes of all this and it's nice to
know that
people notice that.
- What is your best memory of the time you spent on tour?
My best memories were the one of the 1995 European tour when the album
"D'eux" [Also known as "The French Album"] came out. The crowds, in France especially, were wild!!
Great
stuff!
- Do you keep in touch with all of the band?
I do keep in touch with the rest of the guys.. We often work together on
different projects.
- Do you keep in touch with Céline?
I haven't had the chance to speak directly to Céline since the end of
the tour but I am very good friend's with Patrick, René's son.
- Do you want to start your own band and tour with that?
I don't want to start my own band because I'm getting too old for
that!!! I'm 40!!!
- What is Céline like on tour?
Céline is extremely nice on tour and also very generous! We have always
a good laugh when she's around...she's a party girl when she wants to be!!
- How has Céline changed since the Unison tour?
Céline changed in a way that she matured a lot as a person and also I find her voice changed by being less nasal to being more
throaty.
- Why is your nickname dark-viber?
My nick name came from Suzanne, our tour director...I was always
dressed in black
in the old days, and since I am tall she thought I kinda looked
like
Darth Vader from Starwars....It became dark viber because I am always saying how
much I
disliked happy vibes....! NOT because I hate happy things but more
because I
thought it was cooler to be "dark"....stupid as you can see...!
- When you were on stage with Céline, did you feel that people were only
there
to see Céline and didn't take much notice or did you feel like a part of it
all?
Obviously, people are there to see Céline but it's our job to make them
like us!!
I think that people enjoy what we are doing.
- What is the most memorable and personal thing that Céline has given you
as a
person?
Her trust.
- Which artist have you most enjoyed playing with during your career?
I played with a variety of performers in my hometown and each one has
something special to say.. I can't say I like someone better than another
because
every situation is different...I obviously like Céline a lot! [very
diplomatic answer I thought!]
- When Céline returns from her retirement, would you play for her again?
I would consider the offer of going back out with Céline when the time
comes.
We'll see...!
- What do you do before a concert?
Before a concert I would always go for a walk around the venue where we played. I
walked with Paul and Andre...
It relieves stress a bit and
it's good
exercise.
- What are the most embarrassing things that have happened onstage?
It is embarrassing having a cold and runny nose!