french rock critic and television personality Philippe Manœuvre, 71, launched his first live stage show, Un enfant du rock raconte, on December 1st at the Théâtre de l’Œuvre in Paris. For decades, Manœuvre – affectionately known as “Philman” – has been a prominent voice in French music journalism, beginning his career at Rock & Folk in the 1970s before gaining wider recognition on television programs like “Les Enfants du rock.” The show represents a new venture for the veteran critic, offering audiences a retrospective look at his storied career and observations on the ever-evolving music landscape.
Philippe Manœuvre is taking his decades of rock journalism to the stage. The celebrated critic and television personality debuted his first live show, Un enfant du rock raconte, on December 1st at the Théâtre de l’Œuvre in Paris, and he’s already reflecting on the remarkable comebacks he’s witnessed throughout his career. “Back in 1983, the media was buzzing about Tina Turner’s return, becoming the oldest rock star to stage a comeback at 44,” Manœuvre recalled. “So, imagine making your stage debut at 71 – that’s exceptional!”
Manœuvre, known affectionately as “Philman,” has been a fixture in French entertainment for decades. His career began in the mid-1970s, publishing reports and reviews in the monthly magazine Rock & Folk. Embracing a style reminiscent of American gonzo journalism, Manœuvre boldly inserted himself into the narrative, openly acknowledging his biases and subjectivity while covering musicians with a unique blend of humor and genuine enthusiasm. This approach helped define a generation of music journalism.
“The Call” of the Guitars
That humor and energetic personality propelled him into the public eye alongside Jean-Pierre Dionnet in the iconic 1980s television show “Les Enfants du rock,” launched on Antenne 2 (now France 2) by Pierre Lescure. He continued to captivate audiences with his quick wit as a judge on “La Nouvelle Star” (M6) and as a panelist on “Les Grosses Têtes” (RTL). The show marks a new chapter for a personality who has long been a voice in French pop culture.
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