Noir Désir

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Noir Désir is a French rock band, currently on hiatus.

[edit] History

The band was founded in Bordeaux, in 1985 by singer Bertrand Cantat, drummer Denis Barthe, guitarist Serge Teyssot-Gay and bassist Frédéric Vidalenc (replaced in 1996 by Jean-Paul Roy). Over the years, they became famous in France, releasing albums every few years.

Noir Désir's second album, released in 1990, introduced punk rock elements to their sound. This continued with their next album, Tostaky, which contained the successful song of the same title.

Easily the most popular rock group in France, their success continued with the release of the dance-influenced 666.667 Club, and the remix album One Trip One Noise. Their last album, 2001's Des visages, des figures, was a slower, more ambitious affair. This album also contains a collaboration with a fellow francophone Manu Chao. "Des visages, des figures" was the album of the consecration for the group which won the music victory of the best rock album of year 2002 and the victory of the best clip for "Le Vent nous portera". Even if their last album seemed to be the slowest one, the following gigs were huge rock shows where thousands of fans came to see the group.

In 2003, Bertrand Cantat beat his girlfriend Marie Trintignant unconscious during an argument in a hotel room in Lithuania. She died a few days later. A Lithuanian judge sentenced Cantat to 8 years in prison after he was found guilty of manslaughter. He is serving his sentence in a prison near Toulouse, France.

September 2005 brought two new releases of their work. The album, Noir Désir en public, contains highlights of their last tour. The DVD set, Noir Désir en images, contains various live performances footage and videos. Special permission was obtained for the imprisoned Cantat to participate in the development of those.

Noir Désir's members have not ruled out the possibility of re-forming once Cantat is released from jail.