August 5, 2022 – Stade Olympique, Montreal, Quebec
Outremont’s Coeur De Pirate performed outside of the Olympic stadium in Montreal, as part of the Pride festival, to a very large and festive collection or people.
Montreal’s annual Pride festival, which celebrates diversity and the LGBTQ community, returned this summer after a two year hiatus brought on by that pesky global pandemic thing. One of the artists to perform this year, is Outremont’s darling singer-songwriter, Coeur De Pirate. (Outremont is a district of Montreal for those that might not be aware).
Playing outside of the Olympic Stadium is a little different for Pride (ou Fierte Montreal pour nos amis francophone) – in recent years, the outdoor performances have taken place closer to The Village. I suppose it doesn’t hurt to spice things up a little – and although I don’t know why the location of these events changed, I’d wager what little money I have that it has something to do with the cities never ending construction works.
See Also: Less Than Jake at Club Soda, Montreal
A gorgeous day in Montreal had lead us to the giant cement monstrosity known as the Olympic stadium, that resembles a giant toilet bowl. Which is amusing considering the amount it cost to build – like flushing tax payer money away, right down the drain. I suppose architecture is subjective though, and some may see beauty in this eyesore of a landmark.
Although billed as the headlining act – Coeur De Pirate was first to the stage, and would perform but two songs. Still, that was enough for her to establish the stage and get the audience worked into a tizzy. Coeur De Pirate knows how to work a stage, and work a crowd, but on this night – she seemed a little distant. There’s no point in speculating why – all humans have off days.
That said, however, she still banged out two near flawless numbers – showcasing her phenomenal vocal attributes, while looking stunning in a black sequined dress. There she sparkled, in all her glory, like a vampire from a Twilight film. Only better. Because, lets be honest – those movies sucked. The energy from the crowd was electric, showing love for the local starlet. Although gatherings have returned, turn-outs at all the festivals this summer, Pride included, have been a tad lower than they were before the covid-19 outbreak. Obviously some of us still are being cautious – the rest of us love fun. Crave it. Need it!
In the final moments of her set, Coeur De Pirate spoke briefly about her coming out and encouraged others to do the same. Short, sweet and to the point.
More: Montreal Pride 2019 was a thing of beauty
Béatrice Martin, the birth name of Coeur De Pirate, came out as queer as a response to the mass shooting at Pulse, a gay club in Orlando, Florida. The following day, she announced that she was filing for divorce from her husband. At the time, she was known to be in a relationship with Laura Jane Grace, who fronts Against Me!, although they later broke up. Had to sneak in some gossip!
There is a whole lot to see, for free, at this year’s Pride festival – check out their website and mark your calendars. And, of course, the annual Pride Parade goes down on Sunday, August 7 at 1pm – along René-Lévesque Boulevard, between Metcalfe and Alexandre deSève streets. Come out and show support for diversity.
