Mylène Farmer – Concert at the Geneva Stadium

A recurring figure of japanese animation shows is the panicked teenager in command of giant destroyer. While the two concerts of Mylène Farmer in the Geneva Stadium were described with many superlatives, the image of a terrified person barely controlling something huge stayed in my mind. This concert was probably the largest I ever went to. The Stade de Genève is large, three time larger than the Hallenstadion in Zürich. The stage was gigantic, with two huge screens, one of them mobile, three screens for the public, including one that was backwards. There was also an auxiliary stage in the middle of the public.

The first part was not really one: a group of Brazilian dancers that is going to do shows in Geneva did a presentation, but it felt more like trailers at the movies than a real concert. The weather was nice, but as I was just coming back from California, I felt a chilly breeze. My brother had bought tickets for the front left area, for which I’m thankful as we were able to see the show from close.

The musical style was adapted to the taste of the day (more electronic), the fact that this was a Mylène Farmer concert was obvious nonetheless. The back of the stage was decorated with mannequins, and two large statues of skinned humans were kneeling on both sides of the central staircase, on which Mylène was lifted down in a chrome rib-cage. Having nearly naked dancers is nowadays common, but in this case the costumes went beyond that: the dancers and the singer were wearing costumes imitating skinned humans.

The titles played were a mix of old hits and newer song. There were dance songs supported by the very powerful acoustic system and softer and gentler songs. Those were sung on a small stage in the middle of the crowd, along with a piano that was hidden under the stage. Those songs were the most moving, as Mylène still can’t control her emotions and started crying while the crowd just sang for her. The last title was of course “Désenchantée“, during which Mylène and the dancers were wearing stitched Xs in the back, in case people were had any doubt what it was about…

The production of the show was a stark contrast to the singer: an imposing and well oiled machinery: very good dancers that were clearly enjoying the show, incredible costumes (the Diva wore five different sets), many very good special effects, and a very good VJ. The two statues on the side of the stage even stood up at one point.

In conclusion, a really great concert, and certainly worth the wait.