“When Jean-Jacques celebrates his birthday, I know mine will not be long”.
Michael Jones will be 70 next January.
And he doesn't look his age either.
But unlike his friend and musical accomplice, the guitarist did not choose to take early retirement.
To talk about his tasty autobiography, "My best chances", co-written with Stéphane Basset to "try to encourage young people to believe in their dreams", we must aim right in his agenda as Minister of the Six Strings.
At the rate of a hundred concerts a year, he is rarely in his house near Lyon (Rhône).
When he welcomes us to this old toy company, it is without a press officer and without manner.
But with Marion, his wife, who has just celebrated her thirtieth birthday.
They met in 2013 at a festival where she was general manager, have worked together since and got married last year.
“Since my mother died ten years ago, I've been trying to love better,” he writes in his book.
My daughters
(he has three)
, my wife.
I have never been happy as I am now ", confides Michael Jones in his memoirs, of which Goldman wrote the preface with this vibrant tribute:" I was very lucky to meet him almost forty years ago, for having feasted on his talent, his straightforwardness, his humor, his courage.
He says of the guitarist.
"I stopped the Enfoirés but not the Restos du Cœur"
Michael jones
In his book as in his hall, whose walls are covered with diamond discs - which at the time marked a million albums sold -, Michael Jones returns him the compliment.
From the progressive rock group Thaï Phong, which he joined in 1977 to replace Goldman on their tours - "because he still did not want to leave his job in Montrouge, in the family sports store" he recalls - , up to “I give you”, their biggest joint success - and the most listened to by Goldman in streaming -, passing by the trio Fredericks, Goldman & Jones, their collaboration was paved with gold.
"I have sold almost all my gold records for charities", he notes, showing the one recorded in 1999 during the "Bretagnes à Bercy" event, "of which I am most proud".
When we talk about pride and attachment, the Restos du Cœur - of which he was the most faithful servant with Jean-Jacques Goldman, from the beginning - are obviously not far away.
He announces in his book that he said goodbye to the Enfoirés, last January during the Lyon confined edition.
"I stopped the Enfoirés but not the Restos du Cœur," he said immediately. I didn't have as much fun at Les Enfoirés anymore, because it's a very tiring exercise and I'm less comfortable with today's music. But next January, I will commit myself differently by doing an acoustic tour in the local branches of the Restos du Cœur, for the beneficiaries and the volunteers. If other artists want to accompany me, they are welcome. "
Next year will mark another great first.
“I am going to vote in France in the presidential election, announces the Franco-Gallois.
Since 2016 and the Brexit vote, of which I am ashamed, I have been naturalized French.
It will be the second time in my life that I will vote.
»Does he already know for whom?
“I've always fought extremes - the lyrics to 'I give you' are the best example - but my opinions don't interest people.
They should not be taken for idiots.
"
"I refused to participate in
Dance with the stars
"
Michael jones
Michael Jones takes us to his rehearsal and recording studio, where we are amazed by his guitars, his retro amps - one of 1959 belonged to the Irish guitar hero Rory Gallagher -, his collection of vinyl records, his grand piano covered with a Welsh flag ...
“Everything is upstairs because I have already been the victim of floods,” he explains.
This is the first time that I have had a studio of this quality with my instruments close at hand and a kitchen for musicians.
We built and furnished everything with Marion during the lockdown.
In the evening, rather than watching a series on TV, we go up to our great playroom.
Marion sings, writes, composes, plays guitar, violin, banjo and has just released her first mini album under the name Mary Cooper.
"
He no longer wants to publish records and prefers to work on projects. Like “The Goldman Legacy”, which will be the subject of two discs in 2022 and a tour in 2023. Like his show on YouTube, “Confiture (Jam)”. “This is our first child,” he smiles. It was Marion who had the idea of mixing music and cooking and welcoming two guests, a musician and a chef to our home. The third episode in August brought together Thomas Dutronc and Marc Veyrat, the next in November will celebrate Italy with Claudio Capeo and chef Tomas Parisini.
Fifteen years after having been a coach in the “Star Academy”, from 2004 to 2006, will we ever see him again on television?
"It would surprise me to be called back," he laughs.
I refused to participate in "Dance with the stars".
I do not know how to dance.
I disguised myself and played the clown for thirty years for a good cause.
But the ridiculous at its limits.
"
EDITOR'S RATING: 4/5
“My best chances”
, Michael Jones with Stéphane Basset, Robert Laffont editions, 280 pages, 20 euros.
