In the world of live performances, few events capture the imagination quite like Mylène Farmer’s “Nevermore” tour. A historic journey through stadiums, it has left an indelible mark on both fans and the press. As we delve into the pages of “Télé Star” (February 3, 2025 issue), we are invited into the heart of this extraordinary production.
The Final Bow?
Olivier Schultheis, one of the tour’s musical directors alongside Yvan Cassar, shares his journey of collaboration with Mylène. Introduced through mutual friend Anthony Souchet, Schultheis recalls Mylène’s appreciation for his production of Julien Doré’s cover of “Moi… Lolita.” His admiration for Mylène shines through: “She’s a hard worker, sensitive, and funny—far from the distant image she’s sometimes given. She’s both extremely thoughtful and highly intuitive.”
When discussing “Nevermore,” Mylène’s approach was clear: a return to musical basics. As she poignantly noted, “You know, we don’t know if this will be the last show.” This statement adds a layer of emotional resonance, suggesting a reflective, perhaps even transitional phase in her career.
Crafting the Spectacle
Unlike her “Live 2019” performances, where song intros were deliberately altered to surprise audiences, “Nevermore” embraces familiarity. This return to roots didn’t just happen overnight—preparations began a full year before the first show on June 3, 2023.
François Hanss, director of “Nevermore: The Film,” elaborates on the vision: “We wanted to return to the fundamentals—the raven symbol, references to Edgar Allan Poe, and echoes of her iconic music videos and concerts. There’s a prologue, an epilogue, a climax…” Capturing the grandeur of stadium performances posed unique challenges. Hanss notes, “The visuals had to tell a story despite the vastness of the venue.”
Maintaining intimacy within such a grand scale required precision. With 20 cameras in Lyon and 12 additional setups in Bordeaux, the team balanced comprehensive coverage with a commitment to discretion. Mylène’s insistence on preserving the audience’s experience meant no intrusive cameras on stage—a testament to her respect for her fans.
From Stage to Screen: The Press Reacts
Following its triumph in stadiums and cinemas, “Nevermore” is set to captivate television audiences. Premiering on February 8, 2025, at 9:10 PM on M6, with streaming available on M6+, anticipation is soaring.
The press is unanimous in its praise:
“Télé Z” features Mylène on its cover for the first time, an issue already deemed a collector’s item.
“Télé 7 Jours,” “Télé Magazine,” and “Télé Poche” have declared “Nevermore” a favorite.
“Télécâble Sat Hebdo” awarded the film its highest rating: 4 stars.
The overwhelming reception of “Nevermore: The Film” mirrors the critical acclaim that greeted Mylène’s live performances, solidifying its place as a landmark in her storied career.
As audiences around the world prepare to experience “Nevermore” from the comfort of their homes, one thing is certain: Mylène Farmer’s legacy continues to shine, transcending the stage to become a timeless testament to artistry and passion.
Among French female artists, Mylène Farmer ranks 3rd, following Zaho de Sagazan and Santa, and she secures the 6th spot when including both French and international female artists. Notably, Nevermore has surpassed the success of Mylène’s previous live album, Live 2019, which ranked 45th in sales in 2019.
Internationally, Nevermore also performed well, ranking 44th in annual sales in Walloon Belgium, closely matching the performance of Live 2019, which placed 39th in its release year.
Additionally, Mylène’s compilation album, “Remix XL,” secured the 105th position among France’s best-selling albums in 2024 and ranked 155th in Wallonia.
In the vinyl market, Nevermore proved to be a strong performer, ranking 22nd in vinyl sales in France, while Remix XL also made an impact, securing the 89th position.
Mylène Farmer continues to demonstrate her enduring appeal, solidifying her place as a major force in the French music industry.
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