When the first notes of the bombarde resonate at the Beaujoire stadium, the entire stadium shivers. The Anthem of the Beaujoire , which has become the soul of FC Nantes, has embodied the passion of the Yellow and Green supporters for their Canaries since 1997.
Sung before every home match, this FC Nantes anthem has transcended generations to become an essential symbol of the club's identity. But how did this song, performed by Bruno Courgeau, become the official soundtrack of the Canaries? Let's delve into the fascinating history of this anthem that resonates so strongly in Nantes.
The birth of the Anthem at La Beaujoire in 1997
In 1997, the Louis-Fonteneau stadium (former name of the Beaujoire) discovered a new tune that would mark its history. "The Hymn to the Beaujoire" , written by Olivier Tronson, Jean-Luc Trécan and Gérard Troupel, made its appearance in the stands of Nantes.
The song opens with a short bombarde melody, this traditional Breton instrument that immediately establishes the club's regional identity. Then comes the warm and catchy voice of Bruno Courgeau, launching into the now legendary: "Allez allez! Allez Nantais jouent…"
This creation comes at a pivotal moment for FC Nantes, a historic French football club seeking to strengthen its sonic identity. The three authors aimed to create a unifying anthem, capable of bringing together all generations of supporters around a single chant.
A success that was not immediate.
Contrary to what one might expect, the FC Nantes anthem was not an instant triumph. The song did not find immediate success with the Beaujoire crowd.
After three seasons, the anthem was even seriously threatened with the arrival of "Au cœur du stade" (At the Heart of the Stadium), a symphonic version written by the same authors and masterfully sung by the Nantes Opera Chorus. Presented to the public during the FC Nantes - Stade Rennais match in the 2000-2001 season, this more solemn version was intended to replace the previous one.
FC Nantes still dreamed of European success, and the operatic arias reflected the spirit of the Champions League theme music composed by Tony Britten. But faced with public outcry, attached to Bruno Courgeau's voice and its catchy chorus, the club's management reversed course.
Bruno Courgeau: the official voice of the Canaries
Little by little, Bruno Courgeau 's voice returns to the stands with his catchy "Allez allez! Allez Nantais jouent…". The Nantes artist becomes inseparable from the club's anthem, to the point of being considered its official voice.
Bruno Courgeau has been a supporter of FC Nantes for decades, regularly performing the anthem live at the stadium during special matches. In May 2022, for the final match of the season against Saint-Étienne, he joined the fans in singing it again in a particularly moving atmosphere.
This regular presence of the original performer strengthens the emotional bond between the supporters and their anthem, creating unique moments of collective communion at the Beaujoire.
An anthem that has managed to establish itself permanently
The song has finally become firmly established in the minds of Nantes supporters. Proof of the fans' attachment to this anthem at the Beaujoire stadium , they even expressed their concern in December 2015 when the song was not played in the stadium during two league matches.
An oversight that was quickly rectified under pressure from the fans! This anecdote demonstrates just how essential the anthem has become to the pre-match ritual at the Beaujoire stadium. Not hearing it before kickoff would now be unthinkable for the Canaries' loyal supporters.
Twenty-seven years after its creation, "L'Hymne à la Beaujoire" sung by Bruno Courgeau remains the reference song of FC Nantes, passed down from generation to generation as a precious intangible heritage.
Iconoclastic covers of the Nantes anthem
The song has even been covered in various ways, demonstrating its deep roots in local culture. These reinterpretations range from classical to punk, showcasing the anthem's ability to transcend musical styles.
At the end of 2014, the Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire performed a symphonic version of the anthem, lending a solemn and majestic dimension to the singing. A year later, the band Justin(e), known locally for their football songs, covered the anthem in a terrace punk style.
This version, enhanced with an additional verse that mentions the mayor of Nantes, galette, airport and cultural policy, shows the popular appropriation of the anthem which becomes a vehicle for citizen expression.
Attempts at creating anthems before "The Anthem to the Beaujoire"
The history of FC Nantes chants does not begin in 1997. As early as 1974, the club had released a 45 rpm record, "La marche du club des Canaris" subtitled "Le chant des supporters du FC Nantes", performed by the Paul Terrien orchestra with lyrics by Christian Thomelet.
At the same time, Henri Villerouge offered "Nantes Yellow Jersey!" (lyrics by Francis Huger), a 45 rpm record whose cover paid tribute "to the players of FC Nantes, French champions 1973-1974", although this was clearly an error in the dates of the record.
But it was in 1977 that "Allez les Canaris!", nicknamed "Les rois de la prairie", made a lasting impression. Performed by Les Onze and released by Barclay, this song, composed by Jean Schmitt and Boby Nalpas, accompanied the club's golden years and remains etched in the memories of the oldest supporters.
Full lyrics of "Hymn to the Beaujoire"
Here are the lyrics to the Nantes anthem as it is sung before each match at the Stade de la Beaujoire:
Words :
Come on, come on, Nantes, play!
All with you, yellow and green!
In one fell swoop and to a single tune
We shout to you, Nantes, win!
From north to south of the Loire
From Brittany to the Vendée
We are here to support
The Canaries of Beaujoire
FCNA you can count on
Supported by our clamor
And our songs sung in unison
By the Nantes choir
You are champions to us.
The magicians of the beautiful game
Fly our flag high!
The pride of our region
Listen to the Anthem to the Beaujoire
Find below the Hymn to the Beaujoire as it is integrated into the SoundKop music magnets , to relive the atmosphere of the Beaujoire at any time.
Ode to the Beaujoire
The Tribune Loire and the atmosphere of the Beaujoire
While the Beaujoire anthem resonates throughout the stadium, it's the Tribune Loire that sets the tempo and maintains the atmosphere throughout the match. Created in 1985, this stand is the beating heart of Nantes supporters.
The Brigade Loire, with its leaders like Romain Gaudin, orchestrates the chants and creates the unique atmosphere for which the Beaujoire stadium is famous. The supporters not only sing the official anthem, but also an impressive repertoire of chants: "Les rois de la prairie" (Kings of the Prairie), "Qui ne saute pas n'est pas Nantais" (He who doesn't jump isn't from Nantes), and the poignant tribute to Emiliano Sala.
This stand, which fills up almost every match (15 sold-out matches out of 19 in some seasons), remains one of the finest in France and perpetuates the tradition of passionate and creative fandom.
An anthem that celebrates the Nantes style of play
The lyrics of the FC Nantes anthem are not insignificant. They celebrate "the magicians of the round ball," a direct reference to the famous "Nantes style of play" that brought glory to the club in the 70s and 80s.
This football academy, based on teamwork, technique, and flair, produced generations of talented players and earned FC Nantes eight French league titles. The anthem recalls this glorious era while also carrying the hopes of new generations.
"From north to south of the Loire, from Brittany to Vendée": these words also highlight the club's territorial roots, which unite far beyond the city of Nantes, bringing together supporters from all over the Pays de la Loire region.
Bringing the FC Nantes atmosphere to life on a daily basis
Supporters' chants are much more than just background music. They embody the history of a club, the pride of a region, and the transmission of a passion that spans generations.
SoundKop has created musical magnets dedicated to the iconic chants of FC Nantes, allowing Yellow and Green supporters to extend the unique atmosphere of the Beaujoire into their daily lives and to make the voice of the Canaries resonate at any time.
Relive the Hymn to the Beaujoire at home
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Beaujoire stadium with SoundKop musical magnets featuring the legendary chants of FC Nantes. An ideal gift idea for any Canaries supporter.
FAQ – Anthem to the Beaujoire FC Nantes
Who created the Hymn to the Beaujoire?
The Beaujoire Anthem was written in 1997 by Olivier Tronson, Jean-Luc Trécan, and Gérard Troupel. It is performed by Bruno Courgeau, who has become the official voice of this anthem, which is played before every home match.
Why does this anthem begin with a bombarde tune?
The bombard is a traditional Breton instrument. Its use in the anthem immediately anchors the regional identity of FC Nantes and recalls the Breton roots of the club and its supporters.
Has the anthem always been popular with fans?
No, the success was not immediate. The anthem was even threatened in 2000-2001 by a symphonic version "At the heart of the stadium", but the supporters demanded the return of Bruno Courgeau's version which ultimately became the permanent standard.
What other songs have marked the history of FC Nantes?
Before the Anthem at La Beaujoire, FC Nantes had several emblematic songs such as "Les rois de la prairie" (1977) by Les Onze, "La marche du club des Canaris" (1974), and today the tribute to Emiliano Sala sung in the 9th minute of each match.
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