Polyphonic Size is sad to announce that France is seriously ill and currently at the hospital. Be strong France. Love.

POLYPHONIC NEWS 02/09/2011 : JJ BURNEL GUESTS WITH POLYPHONIC SIZE

JJ talks about Polyphonic Size and the Brussels Summer Festival on Stranglers ratter.

Actually, there were not one, but 2 shows. The first one was a private warm-up gig, the day before the festival, with about 150 guests. JJ was there, and sang 5 songs. Great versions, especially Do The European, with JJ improvising some kind of dance with Jill !

So here's the festival. It's called Brussels Summer Festival, but It was Brussels Rainy Festival that night. We had a terrible storm in Belgium just a couple of hours before the show, and you've probably heard about what happened at the Pukklepop Festival. Nothing like that in Brussels, fortunately, but many people couldn't go to the show because roads were closed, or packed in awful traffic jams, or just because of the rain.
Anyway, Polyphonic Size hit the stage at 20h 30. The band played with 2 video screens behind them (courtesy of Karl Bartos, who was playing just after PSize, and kindly lent his equipment). Eric Peereman, long time friend of the band, directed them. The concert was divided in 2 parts : first one was PSize, second one PSize + JJ. Roger-Marc was in top form, and the band gave stunning versions of Action Man and Le Rocker de la CIA (back in the set), with Jill & Geraldine dancing and singing backing vocals in sexy pink skirts. Great sound quality by Louie, Stranglers live mixer at the desk.

And now... Mr JJ Burnel ! "Well, is it Brussels wet t-shirt contest ?" He said (OK, easy joke). He starts with Je T'ai Toujours Aimée. Walking Class Hero follows, with JJ and Roger-Marc singing together. Then it's Do The European, from JJ's first LP Euroman Cometh. A song he didn't perform since 1979 ! European Female (well known Stranglers hit) follows, with Alice on lead guitar. Last song was Winston & Julia, Polyphonic Size all-time classic. No encore, because it's time for the next event : Karl Bartos. The man was part of Kraftwerk for quite a long time (1975-1990), and co-wrote many of the band classic stuff. Stunning performance, featuring about 2/3 KW material and 1/3 KB solo stuff. If you like Kraftwerk, don't miss him.
All in all, a great night, despite the rain. Cheers !

Full track-list :
intro (Men & Construction) / Mode 2011 / Mother's Little Helper / Action Man / Le Rocker De La CIA / Happy Couples / Le Rabatteur Des Sectes / King Of Hong Kong - Toiler On The Sea / Night Is Coming On / Je T'ai Toujours Aimée / Walking Class Hero / Do The European / European Female / Winston & Julia

With special thanks to Karl Bartos

Read JJ Burnel's comments about the Festival and Polyphonic Size

See more photos by Fabienne Cresens

interview (in french) on www.telebruxelles.net

Do The European video (YouTube)