Beau Dommage

Fifty years after the release of their iconic album Beau Dommage, the band members listen to the multi-track tapes for the first time, and delve into the creative process behind 11 songs that have marked several generations in Quebec. Punctuated by memories, anecdotes and musical inspirations, the podcast Beau Dommage offers a unique audio experience and a one-of-a-kind musical journey through an essential work.

Produced by Picbois Productions in collaboration with La Ruelle Films and Radio-Canada OHdio

Podcast

7 X 26 min

Radio-Canada OHdio

ici.radio-canada.ca/ohdio

Produced by Picbois Productions in collaboration with La Ruelle Films and Radio-Canada OHdio

With the participation of

Pierre Bertrand, Marie-Michèle Desrosiers, Réal Desrosiers, Pierre Huet, Robert Léger et Michel Rivard

Original Idea & Research

Guylaine Maroist

Director

Sarah Fortin

Editing & Sound Design

Maxime Veilleux

Genre

Documentary

Country

Canada

Original Version

French

Duration

7 X 26 min

Year

2024

Trailer

S01 E01

Chinatown & Tous les palmiers

Tous les palmiers is Beau Dommage's signature song, the one with which the band opens all its shows. The band members revisit the musical piece with samba rhythms. Michel Rivard delves into the multi-track tapes of Chinatown and unpacks one of his earliest works. Two Latin songs, two tributes to Montreal, its streets and alleys.

S01 E02

23 décembre

Now a staple of the holiday season, the song 23 décembre is also the starting point of the Beau Dommage adventure. The band members look back at their memories of 1970s Montreal and recount the genesis of this piece of music, which has become one of Quebec's finest velcro songs, with a guitar riff by... Neil Young.

S01 E03

Harmonie du soir à Châteauguay & Le picbois

Robert Léger recounts the moment when he first played his song Harmonie du soir à Châteauguay to Michel Rivard, his future collaborator. The two artists recount the arrival in the group of Pierre Bertrand, Marie Michèle Desrosiers and Réal Desrosiers. To the a cappella version of the song Le picbois, with vocal harmonies by Pierre Bertrand, instruments are added one by one, including the guitar solo, of which Michel Rivard is very proud.

S01 E04

À toutes les fois & Un ange gardien

A girl in a band was a rarity in Quebec in the early 1970s, but times are changing! Convinced of the advantage of having a female voice to complete the vocal harmonies, the members of Beau Dommage welcome Marie Michèle Desrosiers to their ranks. The singer will give a masterful rendition of À toutes les fois and Un ange gardien.

S01 E05

Ginette & Le géant Beaupré

Lyricist Pierre Huet delves into the stories that inspired his songs Ginette and Le géant Beaupré, while recalling his collaboration with composer Robert Léger. Listening to the multitrack tapes of the Beau Dommage album highlights the musical complexity of the songs recorded at Tempo studio, and reveals the band's modus operandi. The members also talk about the role of producer Michel Lachance.

S01 E06

La complainte du phoque en Alaska

Michel Rivard recounts the genesis of La complainte du phoque en Alaska, one of the biggest hits in the French-speaking world. Listening to it brings back memories: the artist describes the particular structure of the song, inspired by the work of American singer and pianist Randy Newman. The singularity of this unforgettable song lies in the arrangements and choice of instruments.

S01 E07

Montréal

Pierre Huet draws on his childhood to write the lyrics for Montreal, a city to which he declares his love. For his part, composer Robert Léger reveals that he was inspired by the Beach Boys for the song's score. The multi-track tapes bring back memories of the song's first listen, performed by Michel Rivard on vocals and Robert Léger on piano. The band recounts the end of Beau Dommage. Fifty years on, the friendship between the members endures.

Awards and festivals

2025

Winner – Numix – Balado - Histoire, culture et science

Credits