Songwriter, musician, performer, producer and actor, he's also a rock and fashion icon. At nearly 61, and after a career spanning more than 36 years, Lenny Kravitz is still going strong, and has no intention of relinquishing his position as rock star and sex symbol any time soon. This spring, the New York artist is on a European tour as part of his"Blue Electric Light".
Having already performed three shows in France - in Lyon, Nantes and Amnéville - Lenny Kravitz made a stopover this Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Europe's largest indoor venue: Paris La Défense Arena. This was a first for the singer and musician, who invited Adi Oasis as support act, and the famous Richard Ashcroft as special guest.
After a very fresh set, mixing funk and soul, from the French artist of Martinique origin, Richard Ashcroft took to the stage at 8 p.m. sharp! And the Paris La Défense Arena had filled up nicely by then. Many were curious to (re)discover the former leader of The Verve live. It has to be said that the British artist has been a rarity in recent years.
In the audience, the younger generation is hardly present. On the other hand, there are plenty of gray heads. A large number of spectators will know Richard Ashcroft and remember the hits he produced with The Verve. Formed in 1988, the group has truly left its mark on the history of Britpop.
The Verve have released a total of four albums, but one in particular has put the band at the top of thecharts and in the hearts of many British pop fans:"Urban Hymns", released in 1997. This excellent record includes the hits " Sonnet ", " Lucky Man ", " The Drugs Don't Work " and the unforgettable " Bitter Sweet Symphony ".
One thing's for sure: on Saturday March 29, Richard Ashcroft delighted his Parisian audience with a rendition of these four timeless hits. The English singer and guitarist - who is due to support Oasis on their UK and Ireland tour in 2025 - gave us a wonderful gift, taking us back in time to the carefree days of the late 90s. But Richard Ashcroft also took the opportunity to play a few solo tracks, including his hits " Break The Night With Colour " and " A Song for the Lovers ".
A nostalgic, hour-long set that seems to have won over a large part of the audience, and us too!
A DJ takes to the stage to keep the audience waiting. But after 30 minutes, the audience starts to get impatient, and a few shouts are heard in the room. The DJ then starts mixing a Nirvana track, trying to raise the slightly flagging enthusiasm. Finally, at 9.45pm, the lights of the Paris La Défense Arena went out, revealing Lenny Kravitz and his musicians on stage, ready to set the place alight.
As usual, the rock star made an impression and left no one indifferent. With his very (even too) tight pants, a top revealing part of his torso, long dreadlocks and sunglasses, which he didn't let go of all evening, Lenny Kravitz was determined to maintain his status as a rock sex symbol.
Armed with his electric guitar, the artist kicked off his set with his hit " Bring It On ", to thunderous applause. And Lenny Kravitz sets the tone. With his pyrotechnic effects and ultra-careful lighting design, the audience is won over.
Lenny Kravitz soon followed up with " Minister of Rock 'n Roll ", then " TK421 ", the first track from his latest opus, played that evening at the Paris La Défense Arena. For the occasion, the artist swapped his guitar for a bass solo. Lenny Kravitz quickly followed up with four old hits that had everyone in agreement: " Always on the Run " (1991), " I Belong to You " (1998), " Stillness of Heart " (2001), on which the artist invited the audience to sing along to the chorus, and " Believe " (1993). An avalanche of hits that demonstrates the artist's incredible discography and talent for producing hits that still resonate in our heads.
On stage, Lenny Kravitz impresses with his poise, sensual swaying and infectious energy. The artist also likes to assume a variety of rock star poses. Accompanied by a guitarist, a bassist and a drummer, as well as two backing singers and four other musicians (horn section and keyboard) on certain tracks, the New York singer remains a true live performer, despite his 60 years.
The artist also maintains a strong bond with his audience, not hesitating to greet a few in the front row and hug a fan in the middle of his set.
Lenny Kravitz, on tour to promote the release of his latest opus"Blue Electric Light", also took the opportunity to play a few tracks taken from this record, including " Honey ", a track we feel lacks power and depth. Fortunately, however, Lenny Kravitz continued without delay with the single " Paralyzed ", enhanced by pyrotechnic effects that quickly warmed up the atmosphere.
This Saturday evening, Lenny Kravitz seemed to want to take his time and enjoy the moment in the company of his Parisian audience. Wishing to celebrate love, the artist repeatedly thanked his fans for their presence. A French-language " merci beaucoup " (thank you very much ) sent the room into a frenzy. Nor did Lenny Kravitz hesitate to introduce his entire wonderful band, including guitarist Craig Ross, whom he humorously described as " the longest relationship he's ever had "!
The old hits, as rock as they are groovy, then kick in again, starting with " I'll Be Waiting ", where Lenny Kravitz literally bewitches us from behind his piano, followed by the unmissable " It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over ", causing an army of telephones to rise in the room, and the famous " Again ".
At this point, you start to think that Lenny Kravitz is a real hit machine. And yet, the best is yet to come, with a string of must-have singles to make us shake our heads and tap our feet: the iconic cover of The Guess Who, " American Woman ", followed by the catchy " Fly Away " and the powerful " Are You Gonna Go My Way ".
It was on this hit that Lenny Kravitz and his cohorts chose to leave the Paris La Défense Arena stage. But the band decided to come back for one last song, " Let Love Rule " from 1989. As if to end the two-hour set on a high note, Lenny Kravitz meets his audience one last time on a catwalk in the middle of the pit.
An apotheosis finale for a performer and a singer who remains and will remain an essential artist on the international rock scene, and whose hits seem to have never left us!
Bring It On
Minister of Rock 'n Roll
TK421
Always on the Run
IBelong to You
Stillness of Heart
Believe
Honey
Paralyzed
Low
The Chamber
I'll Be Waiting
It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over
Again
American Woman
Fly Away
Are You Gonna Go My Way
Let Love Rule
Official website
www.parisladefense-arena.com
