Claude "Mego" Lemay

April 11, 2009 at 04:51 PM

from the french section...

could someone give a translation!?

April 11, 2009 at 10:01 PM

I admire Mego very much, and I want to play like him. It would be wonderful if someone could tell us what it says. Thanks in advance.

April 11, 2009 at 10:10 PM

Oh that's cute! My French has been a little rusty since I quit my course, so I won't take any chances in translating that... :shy:

I really looovvvee Mego! He's one of my idols and he's such a sweet guy... I'm really glad something about him has come up!

Thanks Mirage and the guys from the French section! :msn-wink:

April 12, 2009 at 04:03 AM

was this a magazine article?

anyone for the translation? I'd love to know what it says, he's been with Celine the longest so his perspective would be quite interesting!

April 12, 2009 at 10:34 AM

I will tranlsate it but it's rather long and may take some time.

Also, I can't actually read the article here: can somebody send it to me or direct to a place where I can read it? Thanks

April 12, 2009 at 10:51 AM

If you go to the French section, the "readable" scans are available there :flowers:

http://www.celinedionforum.com/Claude-and3...may-t40999.html

April 12, 2009 at 11:24 AM

Thanks Wendy. Here are the first couple of pages:

Title page:

My life with Céline and René.

He has seen Céline cry on stage and bring joy to a sick young girl. When René had to fight with cancer, he took the reins during the European tour of huge stadiums. The nice and talented musical director Claude Mego Lemay, reveals to us the hidden face of an extraordinary team that has weathered many storms and reached the highest summits with heart in hand.

first page:

Claude, have you ever missed a Céline show due to illness?

I have never missed a single show with Céline since I joined her team in September 1987. I even played on the night my father died, at the first Incognito show in Drummondville. It was the first time that Céline and I did a show together. That day I had spent some of the afternoon at the hospital. My father was in terrible pain. It was a matter of hours. Nevertheless, I decided to go to Drummondville for the concert. Dad would never have accepted that I stay at his bedside instead of doing what was expected of me… He loved Céline but he never once saw me accompany her on stage. It was a very difficult moment…

It couldn't have been easy for you…

During the show, Céline did many impersonations which required costume changes. And when she had to leave the stage to change I played the clown to distract the crowd while waiting for her return. A song preceded this number by twenty minutes Comme un coeur froid (Mego's voice is fraught with emotion) With my back turned to the audience I played the keyboard and cried like a baby: I had just learned of my father's death. And then once the song was over, I had to turn round on my stool and play the clown while Céline rushed off stage in a hurry. It was very hard but I did it. Céline did just the same as it happens...

Tell us about that…

Céline sang on the night of her father's death. It can be seen on the A New Day DVD. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. I will never forget that moment. In tears, Céline sang What a Wonderful World... I can still see Michel, her brother who, from his position backstage, did not take his eyes off her. When the song finished, Céline left the stage and Michel took her in his arms.

Céline also went through a bad time when René was ill

I will remember that day for as long as I live. Céline called the musicians together and announced to us : 'René is sick. He has cancer. He will still follow us on tour but this time he has to stay here, in Florida, to take care of himself. I'm asking you to help me through the show tonight. It is going to be difficult for me.' I took her in my arms to show her how much we all felt her pain. She started to cry. Then, a few days later, René said to me, 'from now on, Mégo, it's you who will take care of the show and make all the decisions. I'm going to take care of my illness. I'm going to get back on form. I'll retire from show-business until I'm completely cured. I'm putting all my energy into getting better.

Where you still in Florida then?

Yes, René had been undergoing treatment for about two weeks. We had to leave to start the tour of European stadiums, including the Stade de France, Wembley and others with seatining capacities of 70-90,000. From that day, there would be three of us sharing the task: Denis Savage (sound engineer) Yves Aucoin (lighting manager and director) and me.

People still remember that René was able to attend Céline's shows even from his home in Florida.

He followed the show by satellite and internet. For example, for the Paris show he had take over six telephone lines.

Did you ever have to change a decision made by René before he got ill?

Yes. Before finding out about his cancer, René wanted Céline to include a cover of Jacques Brel's Ne me quitte pas. He said 'it's a big song... we have to wait for Céline to mature, until she has lived enough to be able to sing it the way she alone can sing it.' The night he asked me to take over, I immediately told him 'René, we can't do Ne me quitte pas. Not while you are ill. It would be wrong to ask that of Céline in the state you're in today.’

Edited April 12, 2009 at 11:32 AM by tonybower

April 12, 2009 at 12:05 PM

Thanks for the translation.

April 12, 2009 at 12:14 PM

Thank you for translating. You are a star... :clap:

April 12, 2009 at 12:40 PM

Here is the rest:

How did René react?

He said ‘I told you: I’m not going taking care of the show: It’s you who makes the decisions’. I felt the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. But the faith René had in me gave me more confidence in myself.

Of all the incredible moments you have experienced over the last 22 years, is there one that stands out above all others?

Yes! In London (his face lights up). In fact, it happened in two stages. Well before the Wembley showm Céline had to sing in a big London theatre. That night, René introduced me to Sir George Martin, the one they call the fifth Beatle, a man I admired very much. As I shook his hand I said ‘Mr Martin, if I make music today it’s in part thanks to you.’ I’ve always liked British music. Some years later, Céline sang at the Wembley stadium that was to be demolished some time after. The group Mike and the Mechanics were the supporting act. At one point, I added my voice to those of the other sings in an acoustic medley. As we sand Because by the Beatles, who should I recognise sitting directly opposite me in the front row? Sir George Martin himself. He applauded us heartily. He came to meet us once the show had ended and as he shook my hand he complimented me: ‘ I wish I could play the piano like you!’ An unforgettable moment!

What was your reaction when you found out you would have to accompany Céline for five years at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas?

I didn’t accept the offer straight away. I needed time to make my decision. Remember, Céline had stopped singing from 1st January 2000 till March 2003. During this three year period I had to find work. I was musical direcot for Grand blond avec un show sournois that my friend Marc Labrèche was producing, and I was providing the music for Daniel Lemire’s show, I had collaborated on Lynda Lemay’s album so everything was going well for me. Then, about a year before Céline’s shows started at Caesars Palace, René told us the news: ‘We have a project in Vegas. Think about it because it could change your lives. Céline and I would love for you to be with us but we understand if you decline the offer because it will mean a move, for you and for your family.’ I hesitated a lot… At the time, all I knew about Vegas – I now have a completely different view of the city now – was hotels and casinos, and I’m not a gambler… When I saw my reluctance, René said ‘Mégo, you don’t seem tempted by the offer…’ To be completely sure, I went on a little to familiarise myself with the area in which I would set up home. It was then I discovered another side to Las Vegas, completely different to what we see on the Strip. I found a beautiful house in the mountains on the edge of a Lake. It’s magnificent! I really like this beautiful corner of the country, the south west of the US, the desert, the red stone… As well as Céline’s gang who lived there for five years and the Cirque de Soleil group, I have neighbours there who are well-known in Quebec: André Philippe Gagnon, Patrick Carpentier and Paul Tracy (motor racing) and the motor cyclist Miguel Duhamel.

Have you established yourself permanently in Las Vegas?

Yes. I am still musical director for Céline, but I’m trying to add another string to my bow: music for films, in Hollywood – it’s so close to Vegas – as well as Quebec.

Are you married?

I got married two and a half years ago.

How does you wife cope with your long absences?

(Laughs) My wife follows me on tour. She’s called Manouk Duchesne. She works for Céline’s video team. We’ve been together for six years.

Do you think you will remain Céline’s musical director?

Yes, I will for as long as they want me. But when the day comes when I no longer feel able to meet their needs or when I relaise Céline would benefit from working with a better musical director than me, then I will talk about it with René and I will gladly give up my place to somebody else.

You still have a lot of admiration for Céline and Rene.

Absolutely! And the more I see them the more I admire them. What an extraordinary couple. They are authentic people. It’s not an act. They remain the same, whether there are cameras or not. In any case, the man I am would never have been able to work for 22 years with someone who had their nose in the air or who was playing a game.

After 22 years, is there a danger that routine will fix itself in the heart of the group?

Never! During the shows, Céline carries us and inspires is in an incredible way. I consider her to be my little sister… You watch her on stage and you can do nothing else but give everything you have inside.

Talk to us a bit about René, Céline and René-Charles…

(pause) I’ve always tried to be very respectful of their family life. René-Charles? He see him from time to time, when he attends a show. All I can say is that that family is tightly knit.

You must have some stories to tell after sharing their life for 22 years…

Yes, I have lots! (laughs). It always comes down to the same thing: those people are the embodiment of generosity, gentleness and honesty. Many before me have witnessed this…

But in concrete terms…

(he thinks for a few seconds) Everybody knows René’s fair. I remember that 4 or 5 years ago we were all watching the T.V. together. An unknown person started talking during a political meeting. After his talk, René turned to us and said ‘That man there will be the president of the U.S., you’ll see…’ That man was Barack Obama, at the time unknown to Canadians and the rest of the world. But René immediately saw him in the White House. That’s what you call a visionary.

And a story about Céline?

I have lots! She’s a funny girl. You should see her at our sound-checks to see and hear the crazy things she will do to entertain everyone. (more serious) Céline has more than just a talent for singing. She has a unique charisma and speaks with her heart. I will never forget the recording session of the song S’il suffisait d’aimer, in a studio in Paris. Céline took the opportunity during a break to call a very sick young girl in the U.S. The girl had expressed her wish to be able to speak to Céline before she died. I cannot repeat everything Céline said to the girl on the phone – it was 15 years ago – but it was extraordinary. Céline always finds the right words to ease the suffering of others.

April 12, 2009 at 01:12 PM

Thank you very much for translating the article, it was really interesting!

I would love Mego and the rest of her band to be with her forever as the chemistry is so amazing between them all, but I really hope they use this time off to think of some new arrangements. I love what they did for IA during the tour, I'd love to know what else they could do to spice things up for us and for them.

Edited April 12, 2009 at 01:13 PM by Thomas

April 12, 2009 at 03:25 PM

There are some very interesting things we don't know. Thanks for the translation and scans.

April 12, 2009 at 05:51 PM

aaah thank you!!

it's nice to read some things we dont know... and there is a lot more that we dont know ;-)

would love to hear celine sing: ne me quitte pas... :wub:

April 12, 2009 at 05:54 PM

Thank you so much for translating that, it was really interesting

April 12, 2009 at 05:59 PM

Thank you very much for the translation. :clap:

It is a very interesting article.

April 12, 2009 at 06:41 PM

I will never forget the recording session of the song S’il suffisait d’aimer, in a studio in Paris. Céline took the opportunity during a break to call a very sick young girl in the U.S. The girl had expressed her wish to be able to speak to Céline before she died. I cannot repeat everything Céline said to the girl on the phone – it was 15 years ago – but it was extraordinary. Céline always finds the right words to ease the suffering of others.

----

Oh my....that's really sad, but so neat of Celine to do that.

April 12, 2009 at 06:50 PM

Thank you so much for the translation and the scans. Some of that stuff I did not know. Mego is a really nice guy and Celine and her family are lucky to have him in their lives. That is amazing that she was able to give that little girl her dream before she died. Celine has a way with her words that makes anyone feel better immediately if they are down. I wonder if Rene would consider her mature enough now to sing that song or has she already sung it?

April 12, 2009 at 06:50 PM

I'm asking you to help me through the show tonight. It is going to be difficult for me.' I took her in my arms to show her how much we all felt her pain. She started to cry.

This part made me cry :cry: :cry:

Thankyou so much, this is a great interview

Edited April 12, 2009 at 06:51 PM by celinestar

April 12, 2009 at 07:07 PM

thank you sooooo much for translating ...

April 12, 2009 at 07:59 PM

Reading over the translation I can see there are a few typos! I'm sorry... I did it very quickly... Hope they don't present any problems!

I really enjoyed this article. I've always wondered how the band feel towards Céline... The fact that so many have stayed with her for so long suggests she must be good to work with...

It was also very nice to read about things we haven't heard before... I wonder if Céline would have coped singing Ne me quitte pas during the tour? It would have been difficult for her but she would have been singing about something she was living... imagine the emotions... It would be like My Love in the last tour...

She should definitely record it.

April 12, 2009 at 08:38 PM

Reading over the translation I can see there are a few typos! I'm sorry... I did it very quickly... Hope they don't present any problems!

I really enjoyed this article. I've always wondered how the band feel towards Céline... The fact that so many have stayed with her for so long suggests she must be good to work with...

It was also very nice to read about things we haven't heard before... I wonder if Céline would have coped singing Ne me quitte pas during the tour? It would have been difficult for her but she would have been singing about something she was living... imagine the emotions... It would be like My Love in the last tour...

She should definitely record it.

no sweat Tony!! it was awesome to read your translations!!! :w00t:

One of the reasons why I believe that Céline remains the same, is that so many band members have been workng for her for so long!! and to join her in the new adventure AND was, is an example of their good faith!! It's really great to read an interview with one of her bandmembers for once! :w00t: and it's nice to hear that Mégo at least remembers Incognito and even Comme un coeur froid :whistling:

and yeah the big surprise was that rené wanted céline to sing ne me quitte pas! :huh: I am happy she didn't sing it, cos it wouldn't have worked in the LTAL tour setting... a song like that needs to be performed in a smaller venue IMO to have any effect!

April 12, 2009 at 09:44 PM

I think you have a point... The Let's Talk About Love tour was not appropriate for such a song, irrespective of René's illness.

It was perfect as it was, for Céline's career at that time... I was especially excited that I got the chance to hear her sing The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face ... This is my favourite song (as recorded by Roberta Flack) and I was pleased to be there to see Céline perform it live.

I long for the day when Céline does a small, intimate show... Céline, a micro-phone and a small orchestra. No fancy trimmings. No costume changes (well, maybe one or two...) and no Love Can Move Mountains...

No, I'm just kidding... But I would love for her to a do a show in a small theatre with standards and elegant cover versions like At Seveneen and Something... Not to mention some of the tracks from D'elles and maybe the lesser-heard songs like La memoire d'Abraham... All understated and amazing... Of course, she might find room to do a live version of The Power Of Love, even if it means modifying it to suit her current range... That would be fantastic...

The only problem then, of course, would be getting my hands on a ticket! Experience tells me I would probably not be very successful there...

Edited April 12, 2009 at 09:45 PM by tonybower

April 12, 2009 at 11:22 PM

I think you have a point... The Let's Talk About Love tour was not appropriate for such a song, irrespective of René's illness.

It was perfect as it was, for Céline's career at that time... I was especially excited that I got the chance to hear her sing The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face ... This is my favourite song (as recorded by Roberta Flack) and I was pleased to be there to see Céline perform it live.

I long for the day when Céline does a small, intimate show... Céline, a micro-phone and a small orchestra. No fancy trimmings. No costume changes (well, maybe one or two...) and no Love Can Move Mountains...

No, I'm just kidding... But I would love for her to a do a show in a small theatre with standards and elegant cover versions like At Seveneen and Something... Not to mention some of the tracks from D'elles and maybe the lesser-heard songs like La memoire d'Abraham... All understated and amazing... Of course, she might find room to do a live version of The Power Of Love, even if it means modifying it to suit her current range... That would be fantastic...

The only problem then, of course, would be getting my hands on a ticket! Experience tells me I would probably not be very successful there...

I had a dream a couple of months ago where Celine actually does this! It was a show covering songs like you mention here, but some new ones as well. Small venue. Soft lighting. An intimate setting with the crowd. I'm a believer in dreams, not just because I believe in them as an unconscious statement of our desires, but because mine have a tendency of coming true (I'm not a psychic :huh: :blink: ) but I heard someone use the term "synchronicity" to define the experiences I have had. I also believe that anything is possible. Given time, Celine and her group may come to this conclusion themselves and I personally plan on being there when it happens!!!!! :D :yes: :giggle: :whee:

April 13, 2009 at 12:54 AM

That was a rare treat, would love to hear more from Celine's band. Thanks so much for taking the time to translate for us tony :flowers:

and I'm with you guys, a smaller, more intimate setting without all the extra bedazzling effects where she's not trying to please everyone with the same track listing, and its more stripped, more acoustic would be a DREAM COME TRUE! I think I would die, just Celine and the raw beautiful emotion of her voice :wub:

*Facebook* · April 13, 2009 at 01:41 AM

Thanks for the translation :flowers:

Really an interesting read and nice to the perspective of a band member for a change.

April 13, 2009 at 02:09 AM

Thank you very much for the translation. :flowers:

April 13, 2009 at 03:43 AM

thanks for the translation!! and now i respect Mego more! love him!

April 13, 2009 at 04:29 AM

Thank you for the translation, Tony - my French is a little rusty and you saved me a headache. :flowers:

That was so interesting to read, I love how much admiration and respect the people around Céline have for her.

April 13, 2009 at 12:44 PM

Thanks for the translation :flowers:

Very interesting article.

April 15, 2009 at 02:22 AM

Thanks so very much!! I enjoyed reading your translation.

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Claude "Mego" Lemay

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