Blur has paid a heartfelt tribute to their former collaborator and French icon Francoise Hardy, who has passed away at the age of 80. The news of her death was confirmed by her son, Thomas Dutronc, on Tuesday, June 11. While the cause of death remains undisclosed, Hardy had shared in 2021 her battle with laryngeal cancer, diagnosed in 2018, following a previous lymphoma diagnosis in 2004.
Françoise Hardy, a singer-songwriter, actor, and model, left an indelible mark on Blur's musical journey. In 1995, she teamed up with the Britpop legends for a reworked version of their single "To The End" from their iconic album "Parklife". The collaboration, transformed into a duet titled "To the End (La Comedie)", was a unique blend of British and French musical elegance. This track was not only released as a single in France but also featured as a B-side to "Country House" and on the French editions of Blur’s "The Great Escape".
Recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, the collaboration was a memorable fusion of talents. Blur recently shared black-and-white archive footage of their time with Hardy, capturing the magic of their joint creative process. Damon Albarn, Blur's frontman, poignantly reflected on their time together, stating, "Françoise Hardy was our introduction to French culture and she was hugely important to us. It was a real privilege to spend time with her and to visit her amazing, entirely black house, an experience which has stayed with me all my life. She was the definition of chic, understated charisma."
Guitarist Graham Coxon also took to social media, posting a touching tribute with a photo of Hardy, captioned, "Farewell, Françoise. Nice to have known you for just a little while. x."
In other Blur news, the band recently announced their upcoming "Live At Wembley Stadium" album, a companion piece to their forthcoming documentary and concert film chronicling their 2023 reunion and epic Wembley shows. Despite Damon Albarn hinting at Coachella 2024 that it might be their "last gig" together, Blur continues to honor their legacy and the icons who have influenced their journey.
Françoise Hardy’s elegance and artistic contribution will be remembered fondly by Blur and fans alike, as her influence on the band’s work continues to resonate. Here’s to a timeless icon whose legacy in music and style will forever be chic and unforgettable.
Photo: Eric Robert/Sygma/Getty (L), Brian Rasic/Getty (R)
