French-loving Damo is playing for Damo-loving French at the most romanticised venue in Paris.
Damien Rice is playing two shows in Paris this week. He's at the Olympia tonight and tomorrow night (4 and 5 July). Support on both nights is by long-time Rice-collaborator Vyvienne Long.
As we've mentioned before, the Newbridge singer-songer is very popular in France, not least of all because he speaks French in interviews (and speaks it very well, we must add). Also, when he's not touring he spends a lot of time here, and as a result he gives the impression of being genuinely relaxed and happy in France - an impression which to French fans gives the lie to the widespread perception of Rice as being humourless and oversensitive.
French music fans, who tend to value lyrics over melody, generally have a soft spot for sensitive and poetic artists, so Damo's love for France is definitely requited.
The Olympia (around the corner from the equally celebrated Opera) is possibly the most prestigious and iconic contemporary music venue in Paris - it's the spiritual home of Jacques Brel and Edith Piaf, both of whom recorded now-legendary live shows here when at their peak. The cavernous hall is famous for the quality of its acoustics, so an emotive singer-songer like Damo should definitely feel at home here.
Rice's two shows this week follow an earlier French tour in March to promote his second album, '9'. From his Paris concert last March, here's Damo singing 'Cannonball':