Pierre Garand, known worldwide by his stage name Garou, is a true legend of Canadian pop and rock music. His distinctive voice and performances catapulted him into the international spotlight, most notably through his unforgettable role as Quasimodo in the magnificent production of "Notre-Dame de Paris". This explosive debut marked the beginning of an extraordinary musical journey that has made Garou a star on the global music stage.
Since the release of his debut album "Seul" in 2000, Garou has shaken up the music scene, bringing a new level of emotion and passion to the world of pop and rock. Each subsequent album, from 'Reviens' to 'Rhythm and Blues', has been living proof of his boundless talent and desire to explore new musical territories. Through memorable collaborations and dedication to charitable projects, Garou has impressed with his performances and demonstrated a deep generosity and commitment to the community.
More than just a musician, Garou is a complete artist whose passion and dedication to the art is evident in every note he sings. His reputation as an electrifying and charismatic performer precedes him, with each concert a demonstration of strength and sensitivity. His engagements with audiences are true celebrations of music, where passion and talent intertwine in a symphony of emotions.
Garou remains a symbol of music that transcends barriers and unites hearts. From theatre stages to concert halls, he reminds us that music is the universal language of the soul, capable of bringing light to the darkest corners of the world. Garou is the voice of a generation, a living force that encourages, inspires and enriches the global music landscape.
The Garou concert will take place on the 14th of September as part of the French Evening of the UNFORGETTABLE Festival. You can buy a day ticket here or opt for a pass to enjoy all three days of the festival by accessing this link..
Garou: Biography and career
Childhood and education
Pierre Garand, better known by his stage name Garou, was born on 26 June 1972 in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. From an early age, Garou was influenced by his family to develop in the musical field. He began playing the guitar at the age of three, encouraged by his father, who played the trumpet and piano. At school he showed a passion for sport, playing football and ice hockey, but music always remained his main interest.
After graduating from high school, Garou joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1990, where he played trumpet in the military band. He left the army after two years to form his first band, The Untouchables, in 1995.
Discovery by Luc Plamondon and rise to fame
In 1997, Pierre Garand was discovered by the famous French-Canadian songwriter and producer Luc Plamondon while playing the blues in a bar in Sherbrooke. Plamondon cast him in the role of Quasimodo in the musical "Notre-Dame de Paris", which premiered in 1998. The role of Quasimodo catapulted Garou into the spotlight, making him a star in France and launching his musical career.
Musical career and successful albums
Garou released his first studio album "Seul" in November 2000. The album became the best-selling French album of the following year and remains one of the best-selling French albums of all time, with over two million copies sold in Europe and triple platinum status in Canada.
His second album, 'Reviens', was released in 2003, followed by a live album the same year. In 2006, he released his third studio album, 'Garou', and in 2008, he released his first English-language album, 'Piece of My Soul', which achieved considerable success in North America.
His 2009 album "Gentleman cambrioleur" included covers in both French and English, but did not achieve the same success as his previous albums. He continued to release albums such as "Rhythm and Blues" (2012), "Au milieu de ma vie" (2013), "Soul City" (2019) and "Garou joue Dassin" (2022).
Collaborations and special projects
Under the stage name Garou, Pierre Garand has collaborated with many famous artists, including Céline Dion for the duet "Sous le Vent", which topped the French charts. Other notable collaborations include "La Rivière de Notre Enfance" with Michel Sardou and "Tu es comme ça" with Marilou.
In 2010, he performed the song "Un Peu Plus Haut, Un Peu Plus Loin" at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. In 2011, Garou starred in Cirque du Soleil's musical "Zarkana" in New York.
Television involvement and charity events
Garou has twice hosted the competition show "Destination Eurovision", where singers compete to represent France in the Eurovision Song Contest. He has also been actively involved in the charity event "Les Enfoirés" for 19 years, helping to raise funds for those in need.
Private life
Pierre Garand has a daughter, Emelie, born in 2001, from a previous relationship with Canadian model Ulrika. He has also had relationships with Yemeni entertainer Arwa Jassem and French singer Lorie.
Garou remains an influential and versatile artist, with a career spanning several decades and musical genres. From his spectacular debut at Notre-Dame de Paris to his international success as a solo artist, Garou has captivated audiences worldwide with his distinctive voice and charismatic performances.
For tickets for the Garou concert, click here.
