Jean-Michel Jarre @ Madison Square Garden, 10/11/2011

Jean-Michel Jarre!!! 🙂 🎉 🙂 🙂

Incredible music. 👍
The concert was great—I guess. 👍
Those special effects were impressive, maybe even overkill. 👍
Hopefully, he returns to the States again.
He’s basically the Mozart of our era.

The translator... pretty much unnecessary. 😁 🤦

Chloe Campbell95 said:I honestly don't get how or why anyone would say Jean-Michel Jarre is on his decline😕. I understand what "decline" means—like when a legendary athlete starts losing their edge due to age or injury, or maybe a pop star who isn't quite at their peak anymore after decades in the spotlight. That’s a decline.

But in my view, Jean-Michel Jarre won't be in decline even when he's gone, let alone now while he's still pretty much alive. Jean-Michel Jarre is just Jean-Michel Jarre, period.

Some musicians actually improve as they age, while others either plateau or start slipping. For instance, "Outkast" isn't a bad record, and neither is "Geometry of Love," but they just don't hit those massive heights we saw with "Oxygene," "Equinoxe," "Zoolook," or "Rendez vous." To put it bluntly, everything from "Metamorphoses" onward feels like it's missing that specific magic, even if the music is still decent. Plus, the man is 63; playing for another five or ten years doesn't mean he's past his prime, but it certainly means he's moved beyond the initial burst of youth. Given all that, I'd argue he's in a period of decline. That doesn't mean the music is bad; it just means the peak has passed. You follow me?

Sean Sanders said:Some musicians just keep leveling up as they go, while others either hit a plateau or actually start sliding backward once they reach a certain age. Look, "Outkast" isn't a bad record, and neither is "Geometry of Love," but they just don't hit those absolute peaks we saw with "Oxygene," "Equinoxe," "Zoolook," or "Rendez vous." If I'm being honest, everything from "Metamorphoses" onward feels like it's missing that specific magic, even if the quality is still decent. Plus, the man is 63 now; even if he’s been playing for another five or ten years, he's clearly moved past his prime. Given all that, wouldn't you say he's in the twilight of his career? It doesn't mean the music is bad, per se, it just means he's winding down. You see what I mean?

Oh, please... don't try to make me feel sorry for him! 😢 He is an absolute legend! I had such a blast, and honestly, I would have gone back tonight just to witness that "twilight" phase all over again, just so we could grab a drink and catch up like old friends. At least he and I would be there, if nobody else wants to show up!

🙂

😉

I guess I agree with Sean Sanders.
There were definitely some older crowds who actually "get" Jean-Michel Jarre, but it feels like a lot of people just showed up because they heard he’s some kind of icon and wanted to say they were there, whatever. I’m not saying this to trash anyone's motives or their right to spend their time how they want, but more to point out that there aren't actually as many true Jarre fans as you'd think from how packed Madison Square Garden was. And maybe because of all that, Jarre is tweaking his setlist, which probably appeals to the folks who don't really grasp who he actually is (or was).
Also, I’m with Sean Sanders on the fact that Jarre’s best stuff is the "heavier," more serious work—the stuff that put him on the global stage and built his specific cult following.
Last night, it felt like before he even hit New York City, Jarre maybe did some digging into what kind of music we listen to here, and yeah, it looks like he picked up on how much people dig that mainstream pop and heavy radio stuff. Some parts of the show yesterday really leaned into that vibe; I almost expected to hear a banjo or something.
When I put on Equinoxe 3 versus what happened last night... well... I’m still glad I saw him live and caught that whole light and smoke spectacle.
Good for him, though. Glad the business is doing well. He earned his spot ages ago and can't really mess up enough to diminish his legacy at this point. Honestly, it’s probably better if he doesn't try too hard to top himself; he transcended his own limits with those early albums a long time ago. Now, the guy should just have some fun and enjoy life.

You guys are overreacting, just chill out.

Why does there always have to be this pseudo-elitist nonsense? "He’s 30 years late," "he's washed up," "where was he back in '91 when he was actually killing it?"

Sure, maybe there should've been 300 people in the venue—people who actually get the JMJ vibe. People who feel it deep down. 🙂

Yeah, maybe there could've been a bit more energy 😬 from the crowd, and maybe he could've played something else (though that's debatable, since three people in an audience rarely want the same thing), but the fact remains that for me, it was two fantastic hours. I'm still processing it, and honestly, I'm just bummed I waited this long to see him live.

It was a great break from the usual music scene in the city. People showed up to actually enjoy the music. It's a shame he didn't come to New York City sooner (did he ever play in the old US?), but I hope he keeps his promise to come back.

If you want to complain to the organizers, maybe they should've lowered the ticket price a bit to fill the room. It's always better to play to a packed house than a half-empty one. 😁

Nathan Wilson90 said:I'm right there with you on that one. Sean Sanders.
Even though there were plenty of veteran fans in the crowd who clearly "get" the genius of Jean-Michel Jarre, it felt like a huge portion of the audience only showed up because they’d heard whispers that he was some kind of musical icon, right? It seemed like people just wanted to be able to say they were there, almost as if checking a box to claim a piece of history, but does being part of a crowd like that actually mean anything at all?

I think Sean Sanders hit the nail on the head, and honestly, he’s probably right on the money about all of this... but I feel compelled to add my own two cents because I just love Jean-Michel Jarre for everything he’s contributed to the world. I truly value his sheer versatility, that sense of completeness you get from his musical education, and that infectious enthusiasm he brings to everything he touches. He’s just so unique, so original, and frankly, I’m not going to sit here and judge him based on whether he decides to drop another Oxygene or Equinoxe before he hits seventy. To me, Jean-Michel Jarre will always just be Jean-Michel Jarre, regardless of what comes next. As for that impression you have—that people only showed up because they heard he was some sort of "icon"—well, if you ask me, it felt like a lot of folks turned up without having ever actually heard a single note of his music. It seemed like they just drifted into Madison Square Garden simply because there was "some big concert" happening, rather than being there for the man himself.

It was honestly a little heartbreaking to witness how lifeless and somber the crowd felt... everyone just seemed so drained and downcast. I can't help but wonder, did anyone else get that same heavy, depressing vibe from the audience?
I had such a wonderful time, though I have to admit I was hoping to soak up a bit more of those positive vibes—it’s just a little tough sometimes when you feel like the crowd isn't quite radiating that same energy back, you know? But honestly, Jean-Michel Jarre himself was just overflowing with that positivity. That is something I truly cherish about him; he always provides this much-needed breath of fresh air in my life, because you can just tell when you're witnessing a true creative soul who has actually lived through everything they put into their art. Filled up. When you look at his career and everything he’s accomplished through his work... it isn't something that leaves a bitter taste in your mouth; quite the opposite, really. Even now, in his 64th year, there is this incredible sense of genuine satisfaction radiating from him. How does someone maintain that kind of relentless enthusiasm, that constant stream of positive energy, and such a vibrant, youthful spirit after all this time? It’s truly something to behold.

Jose Reyes88 said:You guys are getting a little carried away here; why don't we all just take a deep breath and chill out?

Why is it that there always has to be this wave of pseudo-elitist critics jumping on the bandwagon? You know the type—they start acting like they're some kind of high-brow authority just because they want to nitpick everything. They’ll claim he’s thirty years too late, or that his influence has completely bottomed out, or they'll throw out all sorts of "this was better back then" nonsense. It's always the same old song, isn't it? They'll constantly ask, "Where was he in '91 when he was actually tearing the house down?" Honestly, why can't people just enjoy the music instead of trying to gatekeep greatness?

It felt like there should have been at least 300 people packed into Madison Square Garden, but honestly, it was just those few who truly speak the language of Jean-Michel Jarre. You know, that specific kind of connection? It was one of those rare, beautiful moments where everyone in the room was just completely, deeply in sync with his vision—down to the very core of our souls. 🙂

Yeah, maybe there should have been just a little bit more of it, don't you think? I wonder if anyone else feels that same spark, that sudden rush of warmth when you encounter something truly special? Is it just me, or does certain music have this incredible ability to just set everything on fire? Could he have played something else for the crowd? I mean, it's a bit of a toss-up, isn't it? If you asked three different people in the arena, you’d probably get three completely different wish lists, so what can you really say? But the bottom line for me is that those two hours were absolutely incredible. I'm still sitting here just spinning the experience around in my head, honestly feeling a little bit of regret that it took me this long to finally catch him live.

It was such a beautiful departure from the typical music scene we usually see here in the city. People didn't just show up; they truly came to immerse themselves in the sound and just enjoy the moment. It’s honestly a shame he hasn't made his way to New York City sooner—I can't help but wonder, has he ever even toured through the old states of America? I really hope he keeps his word about returning to us one day, because an experience like that is hard to replicate.

You know, I can't help but wonder if the organizers might have been a bit too ambitious with the ticket pricing. Don't you think they could have perhaps loosened things up just a touch to ensure the venue was absolutely packed? After all, isn't there an undeniable magic in performing before a sea of people rather than facing a half-empty arena? 😁

I couldn't agree more with everything you just laid out; you hit the nail right on the head!
But doesn't it feel like those quasi-liturgical spikes always have to strike right at the most unexpected moments? 🙄
And honestly, why should we even stress about it, especially considering the kind of lineup we actually got, just like you mentioned. 😉

That was just two and a half hours of pure, beautiful magic.
I had these older gentlemen sitting behind me who were complaining before the show even started, saying things like, "Ugh, why didn't he tour here 35 years ago?" 🧐 Man, people can be such complainers, can't they? Like, seriously, he's finally here now, so why not just sit back and enjoy the ride? And then, suddenly, he comes running down from the upper levels of Madison Square Garden—and my honest impression was that he looked like he was only 35 himself... just absolutely bursting with life and good vibes. 😁 🙏 Yet, most of the crowd just sat there, frozen, with these totally blank, deadpan expressions while trying to catch that rhythm and vibe that's supposed to sweep you away... I mean, goodness, what has this country and this life done to us?!!!!

And I totally agree with you: the tickets could have been cheaper, though I'm not even sure if the venue would have been any fuller if they were. No, it’s just that people around here don't really know how to appreciate Jean-Michel Jarre, and they aren't exactly rushing to his shows. But sometimes, having a smaller audience just means the quality of the experience is truly exclusive. 🙂 I'm certain that plenty of people (even if it felt like a relatively small group) truly soaked it all in and viewed the whole thing as a special gift. And like you said, I really hope that final "see you soon" wasn't just some empty phrase... though, I suppose I shouldn't hold my breath. 😢

But hey, all things considered, we had a wonderful time, didn't we? 👋

Jose Reyes88 said:Everyone seems to be getting a little worked up; perhaps we should all just take a breath.

Why is there always this tendency toward quasi-elitist nitpicking? The arguments follow the same tired script: he’s thirty years too late, his career is on the decline, where was he back in '91 when things were truly peaking?

Sure, if we are being honest, there probably should have been three hundred people in the arena—but I am talking about those who truly grasp the essence of Jean-Michel Jarre. Those who connect with him down to the core. 🙂

Admittedly, there might have been a bit more energy 😬from the crowd, and perhaps he could have mixed in some other tracks (though even that is debatable, as three people in an audience rarely share identical tastes), but the reality is that, at least for me, it was two brilliantly spent hours. I am still processing my impressions, and I find myself regretting that I waited this long to experience him live.

It was a lovely departure from the usual musical offerings in the city. People came specifically to immerse themselves in the music. It is a shame he hasn't toured through New York City before (did he ever perform in the old US regions?), but I sincerely hope he keeps his promise to return one day.

If one had a grievance to lodge with the organizer, it would be that they might have lowered the ticket price slightly to ensure a fuller house. Isn't it always preferable to perform before a packed auditorium rather than a half-empty room? 😁

I would agree that the ticket prices were perhaps a bit excessive. Even if they had been half the cost, I doubt a 10-20% difference would have significantly shifted the attendance numbers.

On another note, it is rare for me to feel genuinely agitated, but yesterday really got under my skin. (Is that too much information?) 🤣

I feel compelled to also express my thoughts regarding the security staff near the C-tribin; I encountered an individual whose intellectual capacity was questionable at best, someone who clearly didn't understand how photography works and wasn't particularly gifted at holding a conversation either. 🤦

Anyway, I went home, and all in all, I've moved past it (I've already uploaded plenty of footage to YouTube).

And as for bis... 🙂

Charles Ross3 said:It was sad feeling how dead and gloomy the crowd was... kind of messed up and depressed. I don't know if you guys got the same impression.
I actually had a good time. I wanted to feel more positive vibes, but that's hard... the crowd just wasn't radiating them. But that energy was coming from Jean-Michel Jarre himself. I respect that. It always gives me a breath of fresh air because you can tell when you're watching a creator who has truly lived his craft. Even at 64, he’s still got that enthusiasm, positive energy, and youthful spirit pouring out of him instead of bitterness.

I was fascinated by his performance too—all these years later and he's jumping around like a kid. Even just walking into the arena, you could feel a positive energy while he made his way through the crowd 😬to the stage.

The group in Section B was pretty sluggish. At least the floor section tried, especially toward the end when everyone pushed to the front. 🙂

Kate Wells6 said:By the way, I rarely get worked up, but this really provoked me yesterday. (too much information?)

Way too much information. When that laser show started, I basically dropped my jaw, stuck my tongue out, and thought... if I don't have an epileptic seizure right now, I'll never forgive myself. 😬 Meanwhile, the whole floor looked like stars in the night sky with all those phone screens and cameras lit up.

The encore was the icing on the cake. He could have just phoned it in with two quick songs and called it a night, but I get the feeling he was actually having fun last night.

And yeah, Charles Ross3, all in all—we had a great time. 👋

Now we just need Klaus Schulz, Edgar Froese, the '79 lineup of Tangerine Dream, and Vangelis to complete the set (basically a requiem for 70s electronic music). 😁

Unforgettable! Why on earth didn't you show up sooner, Jean-Michel Jarre?!
The man possesses an almost unbelievable level of energy—it’s truly staggering. We had two hours of top-tier music, though it’s a shame he didn't manage to pull some of those standout tracks from the Oxygen 7-13 or Metamorphoses albums.
As for the crowd, they seemed—to put it mildly—rather bewildered and stiff, almost as if they were expecting something entirely different. It wasn't exactly a packed house, but then again, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised given the musical tastes of the people here in America.

Reading all this just makes me want to kick myself for missing out. 🙂🙂

I guess I can take some pathetic comfort in the fact that I wasn't in New York City, but still 😠

and honestly, I hate you guys. 😁

Sean Sanders said:Some musicians just keep leveling up, while others either stall out or go downhill once they hit a certain age. Look, "Outkast" isn't a bad album, and neither is "Geometry of Love," but they don't hit those insane peaks like "Oxygene," "Equinoxe," "Zoolook," or "Rendez vous." Honestly, everything from "Metamorphoses" onwards feels like it's lacking that elite caliber, even if the stuff isn't technically bad. Plus, the guy is 63. Even if he's been playing for 5 or 10 years, that's nothing—he's definitely not in his prime anymore. Given all that, he’s on the decline. That doesn't mean he sucks, it just means he's winding down. Get it?

Here's the reality: the man is 63. Aging is a basic fact of life, so I don't get why you're making such a huge deal out of a totally normal biological process.

The part you're completely ignoring is that Jean-Michel Jarre makes music that stays ahead of its time, regardless of when it was actually recorded.

He's a total sound expert who built his own instruments and gear from scratch.

Every single note you heard at the concert was PLAYED BY HAND, and that's the kind of music that lasts forever.

Bottom line: he will always be MODERN and CURRENT.

Today's electronic music is all just clicking buttons on a computer because actual analog musicians don't exist anymore. And they don't exist because they never truly understood the concept of SOUND in the first place!

Clear enough for you??

http://youtu.be/ehnLaRJqyrc

Honestly, this stuff is just incredible 🙏

Could someone please upload a recording of Souvenir of China if you have one? I’ve watched a million different versions online, but I’m dying to know what it actually felt like live in New York City ;(

Sandra Chavez7 said:Reading all your posts, I can't help but feel a profound sense of regret for missing out on this.🙂🙂

There is a certain, albeit meager, consolation in knowing I won't be in New York City, though one wonders if that truly makes up for the loss.😠

And perhaps I should just harbor a bit of resentment toward you all for making me feel this way.😁

He’ll be performing in Denver on October 18th, the day before, and then later in Vienna. Close enough, I suppose.

Arthur Anderson75 said:The reality is that the man is 63 years old. Since aging is just a natural part of life, it’s not quite clear why you’re focusing on such a universal phenomenon as if it were something unusual.

What you seem to have missed, however, is the fact that Jean-Michel Jarre produces music that stays ahead of its time, regardless of whether it was composed decades ago.

He is a true master of sound, having designed his own custom instruments and specialized gear.

Every single note you heard at the concert was played MANUALLY, and that kind of artistry creates timeless music.

Because of that, he will always remain MODERN and RELEVANT.

Most electronic music today is produced entirely on a computer because those analog musicians have vanished. They disappeared because they never truly grasped the fundamental essence of what SOUND actually is!

Does that make more sense?

I think you misunderstood my point, but that's alright. There's no need to lecture me on who Jean-Michel Jarre is. He has been one of my top five favorite musicians for the last 22 years. Also, just for the record, I don't use MP3s by choice—I collect original pressings. I'm a collector through and through. So, we're all good.

Ashley Grant66 said:http://youtu.be/ehnLaRJqyrc

But honestly, it’s such a brilliant track, isn't it? 🙏

Could someone please be so kind as to upload a recording of the Souvenir of China tour if anyone has it? I feel as though I've watched a million different versions online already, but I find myself wondering what that night in New York City was actually like. ;(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm7JX...eature=related

Thanks, that's lovely 🙏

I honestly thought that translator was working from French—good grief, turns out it's just English... totally unnecessary. 🤦

I always seem to miss the boat when it comes to jumping into the concert discussions, but I figured I’d better weigh in with my own little perspective, especially since I feel I’ve earned the right to talk about Jean-Michel Jarre after spending my days back in 1976 hunched over an old turntable—which, for the younger crowd out there, wasn't some fancy high-end setup, but pretty much the only way to experience music back then—just absolutely devouring every single note of Oxygene from sunrise to sunset. Of course, that obsession just rolled right along through Equinoxe and Magnetic Fields, all the way up to today where I mostly catch his work online. As for the setlist, it was what it was, though if you ask me, it felt very carefully curated, almost like a definitive "best of" collection. Given how massive his body of work is and how incredibly specific his fanbase can be, I doubt we could ever actually get everyone in one room to agree on a single wishlist for a setlist.
What really matters to me, though, is that I finally got to see him live, even if I am a bit late to the party, because it honestly transported me back to those days of eagerly anticipating his arrival while huddled around club sound systems just to watch his concerts on screen, particularly that legendary show in Houston.

Someone mentioned during the intro that it would be amazing if Mike Oldfield were to perform too, and I have to say, I’m right there with them, since those two were hands down my absolute favorite musicians throughout the 70s and 80s.

Does anyone happen to know if NBC might have recorded a concert like this, perhaps for a later broadcast or a special late-night airing? 🤷

Did I just blow your minds?
Was there even any doubt? 🙂

Jason Adams69 said:Does anyone happen to know if NBC might have filmed the concert, or maybe some other network, so it could air at some point later on? 🤷

I didn't spot any cameras at all, and I didn't even notice any press photographers hanging around, though I'm sure they were there somewhere. It probably just wasn't flashy enough for the major networks to care about, and the news sites didn't really make much of a fuss about the show either.
All things considered, the media coverage was pretty lackluster, but honestly, those who wanted to be there showed up, and if you actually attended the concert, you don't really need a review from someone who was just assigned to write a story without truly understanding the musician's soul—unless they're one of those rare exceptions, of course.
As for me, since I have a phone with a pretty decent camera, I managed to record a few clips so I can revisit the highlights and really soak in the details whenever I want.