Simple Minds, Joe Satriani, Morcheeba, Skip the Use, FFF… The line-up for the Crazy Week 2014 is once again of very high caliber for this new edition, which headlines among the Pop Rock festivals in the region and in France.
The 2013 edition broke all records, but it seems this year might once again surpass its numbers. It must be said that the festival, which was called “Les enfants du Rock” before 2010, has come a long way, changing its name to become the Crazy Week anticipated by all genre enthusiasts.
The 2011 and 2012 editions proved that a major pop-rock festival has a rightful place in the heart of Nice. More than 13,000 people attended the 2013 edition. In a few years, Crazy Week !!! has become the most important “current music” festival in the city (and the second one behind the Nice Jazz Festival), and is now one of the major festivals in the Alpes-Maritimes…
It is with pleasure that we meet Patrice Bouchon, the initiator of Crazy Week, who talks to us a few days before the launch of his baby that has now become a young adult!
Nice Premium: A few days before the start of Crazy Week, what is your state of mind?
Patrice Bouchon: a bit stressed and much less zen than last year. Several logistics points are changing this year. So, we can’t slip up. Plus, we’re hosting big names!
NP: Simple Minds and Joe Satriani, two great catches for your nets?
PB: Oh yes, you could say that. Both perform rather rarely at festivals.
NP: How did you make your selection for the different evenings?
PB: I wanted to open the program internationally. Moreover, I wanted to host headline bands and artists who are rarely seen at festivals. This year, the lineup is really rock, with a few pop touches, particularly on the evening of the 17th with Morcheeba and Cats on Trees.
NP: 2013 was a record year, what are your expectations for 2014?
PB: Even better! The number of bookings is already much higher than in previous years. And the four evenings are well balanced.
NP: What’s new this year for the Crazy Week?
PB: I feel the festival has climbed another rung. Among the new features: catering has been completely redesigned (for both the working staff, artists and the public), taking into account the reduced size of the forecourt in front of the Théâtre de Verdure. The partner area is now a real partner space. Our temporary offices will be deployed differently, as we have to consider the reopening of the Promenade du Paillon to the public.
For the first time in its history, Crazy Week will exceptionally span 4 days. Indeed, we were forced to cancel the Friday night of the 18th (Triggerfinger, Medi, 20 Cent Dreams). The festival will therefore have a “off” day.
NP: And can you also join the Crazy Week?
PB: Yes, Crazy Week is an association. You can support it financially (and morally, of course) by joining. €10 per year to get ticket price reductions, deals, goodies, etc.
NP: And you’ll be a happy organizer at the end of this crazy week, if and only if…?
PB: If my team is smiling. The human factor is very important in a festival… If the weather is favorable. If the festival attracts as many people as the last two editions (even with one less night). If I don’t twist my ankle (like in 2011)…
