Dave is 80 years old: why he is not just the singer of “Vanina”

80 years old. The age of reason and wisdom? Certainly not for Dave. The Dutch singer celebrates his birthday on Saturday May 4. A colorful character, variety star in the 1970s, collector of hits, host in the 1990s and 2000s and always a viper tongue, the artist is a popular figure. His choruses remain in the memories as do his rants or his outings, notably during a legendary Eurovision contest commented with his friend Marc-Olivier Fogiel. To pay tribute to Dave, Le Figaro has selected eight titles by the singing Dutchman.

A real wave. In 1976, Dave released this madeleine by Proust, much more accessible than the masterpiece of the great Marcel. Carried by a very delicate melody on the verses and energetic on the chorus, the song is a pop gem that can be consumed without moderation. Perfect lock and charming smile, Dave enhances the words signed by his companion, Patrick Loiseau. Nearly 50 years later, we still want to “take another look at Swann’s”.

French singers have plundered a lot of the Anglo-Saxon variety. And yet, she should (sometimes) say thank you. An obscure title published in 1961, Runaway was adapted in 1974 by Dave. The slight accent and the vocal power on the chorus transform the song (for the better). “Vanina ah ah ah ah” and we’re off for a ride (“ah” is used around thirty times). Simple words, but sweetly addictive. A classic end of karaoke.

Among the most effective covers, we could have cited Is it by chance?, Boulevard des sans amours, Trop beau, or DansezNow, but this adaptation of Banana Rock by the Wombles is a little gem. It is a classic love story with an “incendiary girl”, named Laura, but which is enhanced by very effective brass instruments. Heartbreak can be celebratory.

Dave is not just this singer with blonde bangs and a pearl necklace who came out of a production workshop in kindergarten. In 1978, he released this beautiful, poignant plea about a man abandoned on New Year's Eve. “We’re sorry, you’re not part of the party. Sorry, you're not invited. You are not dressed in formal attire. Good night and happy new year!” The melody is simple, but effective, carried by very seventies choirs. A real gem.

Dave Punk! With this electro-disco-techno song published in 1979, Dave enters the psychedelic with many references, including one to Serge Gainsbourg. Listen in moderation at the risk of having an auditory epileptic attack.

In 1977, Dave asked an essential question: “Hélène, what’s the point of living in the South to be cold?” Real questions for this title carried by bagpipes. The singer shouts his epistolary love to a girl from Kerguelen - handy for rhyming - who abandoned him. Of all the songs dedicated to a Hélène (Julien Clerc, Rock Voisine or Hélène Rollès), choose this one.

The intro sets the tempo: we are far from Vanina. In 1976, Dave sings of abandonment, but optimism. If everything were to end, it would not sink. He would remain what he is. The chorus is poignant and this title would have made a great hit, but the artist is already thinking of the difficult years. “If it is just a flash in the pan, I will follow my destiny. We never know what our tomorrows will bring. But one day in your memory, a street song will rekindle the flame of a lost melody.” 54 years later, the opportunity to rediscover this little nugget?

The 1980s, 1990s and 2000s were difficult for the singer. After an excursion as a presenter on TF1 (the “SLC” remake with Sheila), Dave recorded a very jazzy album, from which this lovely Doux Tam-Tam is taken. In 2011, he released a fantastic album of covers of these hits in a soul version, Blue-Eyes Soul, with duets, notably an exceptional one with his friend Daniel Auteuil on Du Côt de Chez Swann.