Shows in Toulouse: the horizon brightens at the Zénith and the Bikini
The end of gauge restrictions in performance halls is a reduction for professionals. But it does not solve all the problems linked to public disaffection.
Zeniths with 6,600 spectators attended from February 2; Bikinis that can accommodate 1,500 people standing from February 16: the end of the gauge restriction will mainly have an impact on these two rooms, which have been suffering for almost two years, with only a few weeks of thinning.
“We finally have the impression that there is a question, that we are nearing the end, notes Sophie Valensi, co-director of the Toulouse company Bleu Citron, which broadcasts and organizes many shows. But that does not solve everything: our sector is exhausted and it is very difficult to make a projection as to our immediate future. »
At Bleu Citron, the most urgent decision was to find a new date, not too far away, for the Orelsan concert, scheduled for this week, January 27, and expected to bring together more than 9,000 fans. The solution was found this weekend: the rapper will finally come to Toulouse on March 31. Another highly anticipated star, Grand Corps Malade should keep its date of February 10, also at the Zénith, in front of 6,600 spectators, a pretty complete.
Even if the ticket office has been at half mast for more than a month “and it will take time to make people want to do it again”, Sophie Valensi has “no worries” for the headliners Stromae or Angèle. But she does not know if the spectators will respond “for small or medium projects”.
This uncertainty, the Box Office company, ticketing branch of Euterpe, another heavyweight in shows in the region, also feels it strongly. Government announcements have led to a “free fall” in sales and since then buyers have remained “very cautious, tired of being swept away from date to date” according to the evolution of the pandemic. However, optimism remains at Euterpe. This is how Alain Souchon’s Toulouse concert will take place on February 3 (just after the release of the gauges!) and will satisfy 4,000 admirers of the singer, who have been waiting for this moment since March 12, 2020… but have sold very little their places.
“Dynamics re-engaged”
At Euterpe, the month of February will be rich, at the Zénith, with Australian Pink Floyd on the 16th (2,000 fans), Maxime Gasteuil on the 25th (4,000 spectators and a big boost from social networks) or the rapper SCH on the 27th. At the Bikini de Ramonville, it’s a big “phew” of relaxation that the whole team pushes. “With the staggered concerts of 2021, January could have been a great month, nevertheless regrets Antoine Fantuz, one of the programmers of the hall. Ditto for February, which will be largely amputated because several tours had already been postponed before government decisions were taken. For a week, we are still forced to readjust everything. »
This is how Fire! Chatterton will finally take place on March 14, La Femme on April 5 (these two concerts are sold out). But are maintained, for the moment, on their initial date: Electro Deluxe on February 8, Odezenne on 17, Josman on 19, Yann Tiersen on 23 and Lilly Wood & the Prick on 25.
“We have a good recovery program, discovered Antoine Fantuz. The momentum has been reignited, which encourages us to be quite optimistic. »