Holiday Habits

15 September 10

Musical maestro and he of the swirling lasers, Jean-Michel Jarre, talks travel to SHORTLISTS Ryanair Magazine.

INTERVIEW: MATT PRIEST

Jean Michel Jarre

“HOLIDAYING IS AN UNUSUAL CONCEPT for me. I consider a holiday as being able to spend a section of your life doing things that are totally different from what you are used to. That is why the current world tour I am on is so addictive. Yes, I’m working but I’m also travelling all over the world and doing things that I wouldn’t normally be doing, therefore making every day different.

“I have always felt very lucky to be doing something that I have a passion for, but because of this it can be difficult to share my time between holiday and work. I try to mix both as much as I can.

“As well as the opportunity to entertain, I like to see my touring schedule as a fantastic opportunity to learn more about that particular city or country, and to travel through it. I have also found that when you are working abroad the people around you are so fantastically authentic. I think that by working in a place you feel like you are becoming more of an insider. For instance, when I was in Egypt for three months in 1999 preparing for the Millennium celebration concert at the base of the pyramids of Giza, it was a wonderful opportunity to work alongside Egyptian people and truly understand their culture and learn about the country.

“Sometimes I find it hard to get away on a traditional holiday, as I am constantly looking to better each project that I complete. I am always thinking of ways to start up different projects, and doing that is like a vacation from what I was just doing. It’s like a mental holiday. But a real physical holiday is always very welcome!

“I must admit, I am looking forward to having a whole three weeks off soon. I’m going to head down to the south of France where I have a house near St Tropez, relax and try to get myself back into proper shape. I don’t know how possible that will be because I have lots of friends coming to visit. One thing is for sure, there will be plenty of good food, good wine and good company.”

THIS SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, CATCH JEAN MICHEL JARRE IN THE UK, IRELAND AND FRANCE. FOR ALL TOUR DATES, VISIT WWW.JEANMICHELJARRE.COM