Interview with Claude "Mego" Lemay!

[CSCfan]

Hi all.... Because it's Christmas tomorrow, as a X-mas gift, here's an interview the Dutch Céline fanclub did a little while ago with another great member of Céline's band..... Mego! Enjoy

 

http://www.celinedion.nl/celine/images/pics/specials/megocolosseumvegas.jpg

 

CDIP: Hi Mego! For starters.... Could you tell us a little more about yourself?

 

Mego: Hi! Well I was born in Montreal and actually live in Las Vegas. I studied piano and composition at Vincent d’Indy school of music in Montreal and at Montreal University’s Faculty of Music. I worked in the Contemporary Music scene there at the same time as I was touring with local rock bands. My favourite hobbies are Trekking and Scuba diving.

 

I have no brothers and sisters. My wife’s name is Manouk and she’s a video technician. In fact she works also with Céline! My friends are mostly the musicians playing with Céline. And some old friends from Montreal. I have a 37 years old son (Mathieu) and a 9 months old son (Nathan E.). I’m also Grandfather of a 4 years old beautiful girl (Mia). Which means that my 9 months old son is her uncle..

 

CDIP: Who would you say was or is your idol (musical or otherwise) growing up, and what was it that made you look up to them? And who are your favourite artists?

 

Mego: I like a lot of different music style. From classical, to rock, to pop, to jazz. I would say that my main inspiration comes from people like: Stravinsky, Faure, Chick Corea, Quincy Jones, The Beatles, the progressive British bands of the 70’s like Gentle Giant, Genesis and Jethro Tull. I liked a techno band of the 90’s named Prodigy but at the same time, Sting, Jamiroquai, Meshell N’deocello and I loved the genius of Michael Jackson. Today my favourite rock band is Linkin’ Park.

 

CDIP: How do you combine your professional life with your personal life?

 

Mego: To me it’s very easy ‘cause my wife is touring with us. My first son is 37 years old so it’s easy too. My concern is more about the future with my new baby. But other than the Caesar’s Palace next run of shows, there are no Touring projects for the next few years.

 

CDIP: How do you feel when fans come up to you for an autograph, photo or just to chat?

 

Mego: I love it. I always respected the fans tremendously. They are the reason why we’re doing what we’re doing.

 

CDIP: You're a member of Céline's band since 1987, did you have/had any influence on who would join the band?

 

Mego: Of course. Céline and René always gave me full freedom on choosing the musicians. You know, Céline is very faithful to the people who are working with her. This is why I’m still there after 23 years and this is also the reason why we don’t make a lot of changes in the band. We were looking for nice talented people and once we found them we kept them. This is true not only for musicians but for technicians, caterers, truckers as well.

 

CDIP: What’s the biggest, most important decision you took in/for Céline’s career? How difficult was it?

 

Mego: Just before the “Let’s Talk About Love” World Tour in 1998-99, René got very sick and we were about to start the European leg of the tour. We had to build a complete new show. René being sick, he told me: “Mego, I have to take care of myself, I have to fight this sickness and I decided to quit show business for a while. I want you, Denis (our soundman) and Lapin (our lighting director) to help Céline and to take all decisions on the upcoming tour. That was a lot of pressure on us, but at the same time, a tremendous proof of confidence. The tour was a success and we were proud of it.

 

Another hard decision to make was to move from Montreal to Las Vegas but it went also very well. I’m still living there! Southwest of America is a great place to live if you like outdoors leaving. There are great National Parks, amazing landscape and Vegas is 4 hours drive from the Pacific Coast.

 

CDIP: What is your favourite tour with Céline and what do you think are a few of the most special moments you experienced while being on tour with Céline?

 

Mego: All of them were amazing. My favourites??? I would say The 1st European tour in 1995 and also the last one “Taking Chances”. The special moments were all these wonderful time with sold out stadiums everywhere in the world and the reaction of the crowds, everywhere. I must admit that “Le Stade de France” with 90,000 people each night was a special treat. You know, when fans are cheering, it’s our bread.

 

CDIP: As we all know, Céline took the time to see bits of the world during the last world tour. Were you able to do the same thing, or was the world tour a very different experience for you? Did you take your family? Were you able to do a lot of sightseeing?

 

Mego: The Taking Chances tour was organised so that we had a lot of time off, so, yes we visited a lot and met wonderful people in the whole world. As I told you before my wife is part of Céline’s team so it was truly magic.

 

CDIP: When Céline is sick, a show is usually cancelled, but what happens when one of the band members get sick?

 

Mego: It never happened and I keep my finger crossed.

 

CDIP: What is your favourite Céline song to perform live? Which Céline songs that haven’t been played live before, would you still like to play someday?

 

Mego: My favourite song to perform live is probably “All By Myself” for the drama and the fun to play this Rachmaninoff piano part. I used to like “Falling Into You” and “Refuse To Dance” that are 2 songs not very known by a large public. I like the vibe in them.

 

CDIP: During the ‘Taking Chances’ tour, there were a few songlist changes. Songs like ‘That’s Just The Woman In Me’, ‘Can’t Fight The Feeling’, ‘I’ve Got The Music In Me’ and ‘Think Twice’, were only performed during certain concerts. What was the reason behind this? Also, the song “I’m Your Angel” isn’t on the ‘Taking Chances’ DVD, why not?

 

Mego: I can’t answer for the DVD as those decisions are not mine. For the shows, as we have a very large repertoire, we sometimes decide to change a song for another. In the case of “Think Twice” this was a major hit in Europe but not in America, so we don’t play it in America, they just don’t know the song. Also sometimes we don’t get the reaction we expected from the crowd. For example “Can’t Fight The Feeling” was one of my favourites, but the crowd didn’t react to it as positively as we expected. “That’s Just The Woman In Me” was very similar in groove to “This Is A Man’s Man’s World”, so we didn’t want to get to repetitive. We didn’t only took out some songs but added some. Like “The Prayer” for example wasn’t in the show. In fact we played “The Prayer” live for the 1st time in the “Taking chances” tour! “My Love” was not in the show neither, in the first few weeks of the “Taking Chances” tour.

 

CDIP: What are the most memorable technical problems that you encountered during your shows with Céline and how were they solved?

 

Mego: During the “Taking Chances” tour, we had 4 large moving screens surrounding most of the stage. At the Staples Center in Los Angeles, those screens got stuck in the down position, hiding Céline and most of the stage. We had to apologize and stop the show. All our friends dancers from “A new day” , and a lot of “showbiz” friends were attending the show. It was a bit embarrassing. Céline took it very calmly, with a smile and the technicians took care of the situation. We were back on stage 20 minutes later with a magical performance from Céline.

 

CDIP: As Céline’s music director, could you tell us a bit more about the process of turning ‘studio’ songs into ‘live versions’? How does it work? How do you create new arrangements?

 

Mego: First, we listen very closely to the tracks on the album. Secondly, I write the arrangements for all instruments. I write these as close as possible to the original. Then we rehearse it with the band. The musicians in the band are very good. We then discuss things we can do to make it better. When Céline releases a new album, we are trying to be very close to the original. For older songs or hits we leave them as they are or we work together to make it sounds new and more fun to play.

 

CDIP: And what’s it like to have to create new songs/instrumentals? For ‘A New Day’, you for example created ‘A New Love’ and for the ‘Taking Chances’ tour ‘Mego’s Flamenco’. Are you the one who suggests such a new song, or do people come to you?

 

Mego: In those 2 cases, the directors (Franco Dragone and Jamie King) indicated that they needed some music for choreographies for the dancers as Céline was rushing to a costume change. They would tell me the “vibe” they expect and from there I was free to let my inspiration go.

 

CDIP: Certain songs, like ‘The Power Of Love’, ‘Because You Loved Me’, basically most of Céline’s greatest hits, have been performed the same way throughout the years. Many fans have been wondering why some of them haven’t been given new arrangements, like “I’m Alive” got during the last tour?

 

Mego: For I’m Alive, Jamie King indicated to me that he had an idea about a choreography. He asked me to do a more “tribal” type of arrangement for this particular song, which I did. We changed arrangements for “Love Can Move Mountains” on the last tour and also on “A New Day” where I incorporated the rap from the rap version of “Unison”. Honestly, we go with the feel. One thing is sure tough: usually René likes to hear the hits the way they were made originally for respect to the fans who love these songs..

 

CDIP: Some big artists are doing this already, but Céline hasn’t done this (yet). What do you say (no pun intended) that for the next tour the fans could help decide the songlist (like through a poll on her official site)?

 

Mego: I think it’s a great idea!

 

CDIP: Céline is returning to Vegas next year, can you tell us a little bit more about your role in the preparations for the new show in Las Vegas?

 

Mego: Of course.. As usual I’m part of the creative team that works on creating the show. This team is usually: Céline herself, René, Denis Savage, Yves Aucoin and myself. In the last few years we added Franco Dragone for “A New Day” and Jamie King for “Taking Chances”. We also have a “guest” creator for the upcoming show, but it would not be fair that I tell you who it is, as René and Céline will announce the team when they are ready to do so. Apart from the creation of the show I will write all musical arrangements, rehearsals, live performances, etc…

 

CDIP: At the moment, Céline is pregnant with twin boys, which is fantastic news! We all know she has been trying to get pregnant for some time now. What went through your mind when you got the great news? Were you perhaps also a bit scared of what would happen to the Vegas project?

 

Mego: I was very happy for her and not scared at all for the Vegas project, because we knew what she wanted to do. You know, Céline became my little sister through the years and I’m just happy when she is. Tickets are on sale, that means that the show will go on!!!

 

CDIP: You've been to Holland several times now, what do you think of our country and the Dutch fans?

 

Mego: You are the best, guys. Very nice people, hot crowd and honestly, I cheered so much for your Football team at the World cup

 

CDIP: Céline always gives us the impression that when she's doing one big thing, she and René will always be able to dream even bigger (Vegas, then the huge tour, now another, different Vegas show). What do you dream of doing after this Vegas show, as Céline's band member but also personally?

 

Mego:

1) I want to spend a lot of time with my newborn son. He is the most precious gift life gave me. J

2) I’d love to do another World Tour with Céline, but with even more time off!!!

3) I will make a solo piano album made of songs I wrote, and piano pieces I like.

4) I’d love to make scores for movies.

 

CDIP: Mego, thank you so very much for taking the time to answer these questions.

A big hello from your fans from Holland we can’t wait to see you again in Vegas next year!

Edited December 24, 2010 at 05:19 AM by CSCfan

[CelineAndRene]

Thanks for sharing this!!

[I Love You]

Thank you so much CSCfan, for the interview much appreciated.

[Alex_Incognito]

This is THE best interview so far. Thank you so much!

Very revealing and insightful. No wonder they don't toy around with different versions.

 

Do you suppose his name dropping of "Falling Into You" and "Refuse To Dance" means it'll be in the next show? I sure hope so. Why else would he remember "Refuse to Dance"?

[adrien83]

Thank you so much for this Interview !

[JP]

WOW!

Thank you so much, so many questions I wanted you to ask, even some I would not dare to ask, but you did it, that's awesome!!

Thank you again, it was very interesting!

[Frida]

Great interview, thanks so much

[Tyler1991]

Refuse To Dance desperately needs to be in the new show!

[duri]

Great! Thank you very much, very interesting interview.

[browseceline]

First - thanks for another great interview! thanks celinedioninformatiepunt!

okay one thing I understand now is that - when we want new arrangements for songs like Power of Love, it is Rene who has the biggest influence! not Celine or the band.. and, apparently the audience did not respond well to songs like Can;t fight the feeling and The Woman in me, so they decided to drop it. And think twice was dropped because the people don't know the song in America? Well in Holland it was a huge hit so i cannot understand why they dropped it here? But people don't know the song... you mean the mainstream people who only know a few hits of Celine, but what about a big majority of fans, like us? I think that is the answer; shows are esspecially made for the mainstream audience, songs that are familar, play it safe, don't experiment.

[Thomas]

Nice interview!

 

...One thing is sure tough: usually René likes to hear the hits the way they were made originally for respect to the fans who love these songs...

So which fans are these then? Is there an island somewhere full of the biggest, most dedicated Celine fans that only like hearing songs the way they were written? Whenever I hear Celine or Rene talk about "the fans" and "what the fans want" it always seem like they are talking about other people. Because all the fans I know, fans like all of us lot, never seem to fit the description they talk about! I think the majority of us forumers (and I think we are the real fans since where these other fans are I have no idea...) would be open to new arrangements and a varied setlist, if not desperate for them! This kind of thing that reminds me what a distant relationship we have from Celine and her team, which is sad.

[ghazal]

WoooooW. that was very nice thank you very much!!

[browseceline]

Nice interview!

 

...One thing is sure tough: usually René likes to hear the hits the way they were made originally for respect to the fans who love these songs...

So which fans are these then? Is there an island somewhere full of the biggest, most dedicated Celine fans that only like hearing songs the way they were written? Whenever I hear Celine or Rene talk about "the fans" and "what the fans want" it always seem like they are talking about other people. Because all the fans I know, fans like all of us lot, never seem to fit the description they talk about! I think the majority of us forumers (and I think we are the real fans since where these other fans are I have no idea...) would be open to new arrangements and a varied setlist, if not desperate for them! This kind of thing that reminds me what a distant relationship we have from Celine and her team, which is sad.

 

that is exactly how I feel about this! but when we here are the real fans.. we could only fill one stadium or less.. so what about all those sold out shows? where are all these fans, why are they not subscribed here? i think that is the answer; a big majority of the people that visit Celine's shows and tours, are meanstream audience or people who don't have internet haha

Edited December 24, 2010 at 10:03 AM by browseceline

[Javito]

Thank you so very much for this interview, CSFan, its really great!! There are a few questions that I would have liked to know the answer since many years, and you did ask them for me! Thanks!

 

CDIP: What is your favourite Céline song to perform live? Which Céline songs that haven’t been played live before, would you still like to play someday?

 

Mego: My favourite song to perform live is probably “All By Myself” for the drama and the fun to play this Rachmaninoff piano part. I used to like “Falling Into You” and “Refuse To Dance” that are 2 songs not very known by a large public. I like the vibe in them.

 

Hmmm interesting! Then why they quit them? Refuse To Dance is indeed a good song to be performed live with a choreography (like in TCOML Concert DVD). And it has a kind of "operistic" song that would surprise many in the audience. Why they stopped doing it if they enjoyed it?

 

CDIP: During the ‘Taking Chances’ tour, there were a few songlist changes. Songs like ‘That’s Just The Woman In Me’, ‘Can’t Fight The Feeling’, ‘I’ve Got The Music In Me’ and ‘Think Twice’, were only performed during certain concerts. What was the reason behind this? Also, the song “I’m Your Angel” isn’t on the ‘Taking Chances’ DVD, why not?

 

Mego: I can’t answer for the DVD as those decisions are not mine. For the shows, as we have a very large repertoire, we sometimes decide to change a song for another. In the case of “Think Twice” this was a major hit in Europe but not in America, so we don’t play it in America, they just don’t know the song. Also sometimes we don’t get the reaction we expected from the crowd. For example “Can’t Fight The Feeling” was one of my favourites, but the crowd didn’t react to it as positively as we expected. “That’s Just The Woman In Me” was very similar in groove to “This Is A Man’s Man’s World”, so we didn’t want to get to repetitive. We didn’t only took out some songs but added some. Like “The Prayer” for example wasn’t in the show. In fact we played “The Prayer” live for the 1st time in the “Taking chances” tour! “My Love” was not in the show neither, in the first few weeks of the “Taking Chances” tour.

 

I'm glad he was the one who believed in this song! But if it didn't got the expected reaction from the audience, have they wondered why? It happens the same as with That's The Way It Is and Shadow Of Love: perhaps is because they didn't give enough power to these songs when it comes to live performance . Maybe they need to rearrange them and improve or add more back-up singers or instruments to make it sound closer to the CD!

 

CDIP: Certain songs, like ‘The Power Of Love’, ‘Because You Loved Me’, basically most of Céline’s greatest hits, have been performed the same way throughout the years. Many fans have been wondering why some of them haven’t been given new arrangements, like “I’m Alive” got during the last tour?

 

Mego: For I’m Alive, Jamie King indicated to me that he had an idea about a choreography. He asked me to do a more “tribal” type of arrangement for this particular song, which I did. We changed arrangements for “Love Can Move Mountains” on the last tour and also on “A New Day” where I incorporated the rap from the rap version of “Unison”. Honestly, we go with the feel. One thing is sure tough: usually René likes to hear the hits the way they were made originally for respect to the fans who love these songs..

 

Hence the lack of upgrades in Céline's concert setlist since ages, thanks to RENÉ

 

CDIP: Some big artists are doing this already, but Céline hasn’t done this (yet). What do you say (no pun intended) that for the next tour the fans could help decide the songlist (like through a poll on her official site)?

 

Mego: I think it’s a great idea!

 

I'm crossing my fingers for that to happen. REALLY!

[Javito]

Nice interview!

 

...One thing is sure tough: usually René likes to hear the hits the way they were made originally for respect to the fans who love these songs...

So which fans are these then? Is there an island somewhere full of the biggest, most dedicated Celine fans that only like hearing songs the way they were written? Whenever I hear Celine or Rene talk about "the fans" and "what the fans want" it always seem like they are talking about other people. Because all the fans I know, fans like all of us lot, never seem to fit the description they talk about! I think the majority of us forumers (and I think we are the real fans since where these other fans are I have no idea...) would be open to new arrangements and a varied setlist, if not desperate for them! This kind of thing that reminds me what a distant relationship we have from Celine and her team, which is sad.

 

You hit the nail on the head Thomas. We know that Céline has a very close and special relation with her fans, but the day when she (or her team) asks us about her MUSIC and these kind of musical decisions, is still to come

 

And thanks to this question I have confirmed now that its because of René why Céline's concerts and singles are so bad managed

[anewdayhascome]

thank you! Hope they will use some never heard songs and will tour again!

[Chin]

Thank you so much for the interview! Mego is such a great guy! And I wanna say that Linkin Park is my favourite band too

[Timster]

Mego is the best - thanks for the amazing interview!

[celinesounds]

I hope they will bring refuse to dance

 

and thanks

[Sofie]

What an amazing Christmas present, thank you so much!

[CSCfan]

You're welcome guys

 

Nice interview!

 

...One thing is sure tough: usually René likes to hear the hits the way they were made originally for respect to the fans who love these songs...

So which fans are these then? Is there an island somewhere full of the biggest, most dedicated Celine fans that only like hearing songs the way they were written? Whenever I hear Celine or Rene talk about "the fans" and "what the fans want" it always seem like they are talking about other people. Because all the fans I know, fans like all of us lot, never seem to fit the description they talk about! I think the majority of us forumers (and I think we are the real fans since where these other fans are I have no idea...) would be open to new arrangements and a varied setlist, if not desperate for them! This kind of thing that reminds me what a distant relationship we have from Celine and her team, which is sad.

 

Yes exactly....that's what we thought as well. We relayed those thoughts back to Mego to tell René the fans really really would love if they would change arrangements and that we really really wouldn't mind that (we also sent him the poll of Top 10 songs she should perform in Vegas). So I just hope René listens. In the end he's indeed the one that decides whether to change songs around or not, not Mego.

[Timster]

It's incredible how he has a 37 year old son and a 9 month old!! That is amazing Edited December 24, 2010 at 01:53 PM by Timster

[Claudette]

Thanks for the interview! I've always liked Mego and he really is like an older brother for Celine. And I find it amazing that Celine works with the same people after so many years. It just goes to show you that she must be a great person to work for.

[SuperLove4Celine]

You're welcome guys

 

Nice interview!

 

...One thing is sure tough: usually René likes to hear the hits the way they were made originally for respect to the fans who love these songs...

So which fans are these then? Is there an island somewhere full of the biggest, most dedicated Celine fans that only like hearing songs the way they were written? Whenever I hear Celine or Rene talk about "the fans" and "what the fans want" it always seem like they are talking about other people. Because all the fans I know, fans like all of us lot, never seem to fit the description they talk about! I think the majority of us forumers (and I think we are the real fans since where these other fans are I have no idea...) would be open to new arrangements and a varied setlist, if not desperate for them! This kind of thing that reminds me what a distant relationship we have from Celine and her team, which is sad.

 

Yes exactly....that's what we thought as well. We relayed those thoughts back to Mego to tell René the fans really really would love if they would change arrangements and that we really really wouldn't mind that (we also sent him the poll of Top 10 songs she should perform in Vegas). So I just hope René listens. In the end he's indeed the one that decides whether to change songs around or not, not Mego.

 

Did you ever hear any feedback from Mego regarding those lists? It would be interesting to know if he was surprised by some of the choices or had validation for what his gut has been telling him for so many years.

 

Thanks for the great interview!

[Javier_Natalio]

So the interview is old (she was pregnant) but it's just been made public now? Cool... did you instantly know it was so special it was the perfect x-mas gift to forum members?

[coco]

thank you for the interview

[Tyler1991]

What were the 10 songs that were sent? I couldn't find the top 10 list.

[C_Airin_D]

Thanks for this! Love it! Really precious interview!

[celine-rc]

Thank you so much for another amazing interview! I like Mégo a lot!

[celínico_sin_remedio]

Thank you so much Mathias, I've also thought your interview was daring enough to be a REALLY great one.

 

I would quote Tyler1991 and ask again, for the 10 songs chosen. I'm guessing they at least have forgotten about the movie ones, but the other five... I couldn't participate in your poll, was busy at that time. But would love to know them.

 

 

Without a doubt, the most revealing response from Mégo was for me the one Thomas quoted too... I never loved René so much, in the 80's and 90's he was a genius tho. And may I point out that perhaps the fact that he is not great at all as Céline's manager currently, hasn't anything to do with his age. Perhaps it isn't, or perhaps it is the reason; who knows. But I'd say it has more to do with his own likes, he thinks all the fans like the same things he likes, and doesn't stop and think twice. (I would think he himself loves her wife's hits "the way they were made originally") That would denote stubbornness, but nothing else, because if we go back, let's remember the hits have never been substantially re-arranged, and he was younger. It's my own view of this Rene-ish topic.

 

Note: The IA remix it's a whole different thing, it was Jamie King who commanded the TCWT and he surely chose that one to be re-adapted because it matched with the tour spirit. It wouldn't had made sense if they had gone to re-arrange the ballads, it would have been a waste of time... a good that they hadn't got.

Edited December 26, 2010 at 10:46 PM by celínico_sin_remedio