Singer-songwriter Claude Barzotti has died of cancer, his manager announced on Saturday June 24. The Belgian was known for being the interpreter of “Rital”, “Aime moi” and “Madame”.
Belgian singer Claude Barzotti died at his home from pancreatic cancer, his manager announced on Saturday June 24. His slightly hoarse voice and melodic slows like “Love me” and “I won’t write to you anymore” were his trademark.
Claude Barzotti died in a town between Brussels and Charleroi, Belgium, “in his bed, surrounded by his two daughters”, reports his manager, Laurent Comtat. He was 69 years old. “Barzotti preferred to be called a singer of emotion rather than romantic, says his manager. He was a lively flay, a real sensitive, who drank to fight against his stage fright”.
“I am rital and I remain so”
The singer began his career in his twenties by performing at balls on Saturday evenings, accompanied by an orchestra. At that time, he chained odd jobs between music teacher, mason and mechanic in addition to his activity as a singer. In 1983, he performed “Le Rital” which would be number one in France and would remain his biggest hit. In this song, he alludes to his Italian origins: “I am rital and I remain so”. His father was an Italian miner.
In the 2000s, Claude Barzotti was part of the Tender Age and Wooden Head tour which brought together Sheila, Stone and Charden, Patrick Juvet… He enjoyed new success in 1990 with the release of his slow “Aime moi”. His last album “Un homme” was released in 2019, a few months before he announced that he was ending his career due to serious health problems.