France was in mourning today after the death of Johnny Hallyday, its biggest rock star and cherished showman whose songs coloured the lives of three generations. President Macron led tributes to the 74-year-old singer and film actor, calling him “a living icon for more than 50 years”. Crowds gathered outside Hallyday’s home at Marnes-la-Coquette, near Versailles, where he died of lung cancer in the early hours. Media interrupted schedules for special broadcasts on a national treasure, who since 1960 played himself as a thoroughly Gallic version of a hard-driving American-style rocker. Grieving fans gathered outside Hallyday’s house in Marnes-la-Coquette Christophe Ena/AP“He brought a part of America into our national pantheon,” said Mr Macron.“We all have something of Johnny Hallyday in us .

Source: The Times December 06, 2017 09:00 UTC