Paris, October 11, 2025. The heart of the Accor Arena, an imposing structure of glass and steel by the Seine, throbbed with anticipation as nearly 20,000 fans converged to celebrate Matmatah's three-decade-long journey. The crowd, a blend of greying loyalists and youthful newcomers, united in fervent expectation for an evening like no other.
Leading this grand crusade was Tristan Nihouarn, known to many as Stan, joined by Eric Digaire on bass, Benoît Fournier on drums, Julien Carton on keyboards, and guitarist Léopold Riou. Together, they transformed the arena into a pulsating Breton beacon with over two hours and forty minutes of raw, unbridled energy, reminiscent of a charged Armorian night ritual.
Photo by Lola Demarquez
From the moment the doors opened at 6:30 pm, a wave of enthusiasm swept through, heralded by the sight of gwenn-ha-du flags waved by fans from far and wide. As the clock struck eight, the arena erupted as Matmatah emerged, launching into "Il fait beau sur la France," their sound as refreshing as a breeze across Brittany's rugged landscape. Each riff from Riou and Stan's gravelly vocals spurred the audience into an exhilarating rhythm.
The stage was stark yet alive, the focus pure rock. Seamlessly, they transitioned into "La Cerise," igniting the crowd with its biting irony. The night's highlight "Lambé An Dro," the group's anthem, transported the crowd to a shared mystical realm as the entire arena echoed with its powerful chant, amplified by the presence of guest musicians wielding brass, strings, and traditional Celtic instruments.
Photo by Lola Demarquez
The concert wasn't constant frenzy; moments of calm carried equal intensity. "Emma" shrouded the venue in bittersweet nostalgia as Stan's voice tenderly soared over Carton's gentle keyboard strains. A special acoustic segment took the band into the heart of the crowd for "Au Conditionnel," a stand-out rendition prompting joyous chaos.
As the concert reached its crescendo, the encore burst forth like fireworks. With "L'Apologie," the arena pulsated with thousands of unified voices, a rallying cry in which even the stone foundations seemed to vibrate. The closing track, "Les Moutons," ensured the night ended on a euphoric high, leaving the Accor Arena spellbound and euphorically drained.
Matmatah, standing firm after 30 years, embodies the indomitable spirit of French rock, unyielding against the tides of time. As Stan hinted at potential Breton dates in 2026, it's clear that their legacy is set to inspire the winds of the west for years to come.
Setlist Highlights: Il fait beau sur la France, Quelques sourires, La Cerise, Lambé An Dro, L'Apologie, Les Moutons, among others.