As the Eiffel Tower dazzled with laser lights, the iconic tune of Cerrone’s “Supernature” set the tone for the grand finale of the Olympics opening ceremony. As sports legends Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal sailed down the Seine, deaf choreographer Shaheem Sanchez expressed the rhythm through American Sign Language dance. This 1977 disco classic showcased its enduring appeal on one of the world’s biggest stages.
For Marc Cerrone, 72, this moment underscored the timelessness of his music. “The sounds changed every decade, but for my part I never lose the movement,” the legendary music producer told The Associated Press before headlining at DiscOlympics, an event celebrating the roots of dance music. The riverfront nightclub saw over 3,000 enthusiastic concertgoers.
Cerrone, who helped define the disco genre in France during the mid-1970s with hits like “Supernature,” “Give Me Love,” and “Je Suis Music,” was overwhelmed by the opening ceremony. Composer and music director Victor le Masne had approached him nine months earlier to rework “Supernature” with a symphonic touch, including orchestral arrangements. Comparing the creative process to a pregnancy, Cerrone expressed immense pride in the updated piece, calling it his career’s best work. With 23 albums and over 30 million records sold, his influence remains significant.
The 12-hour DiscOlympics event featured performers like Agoria, He.She.They., and Kartell, illustrating disco’s evolution into subgenres such as hip-hop, house music, and electronic dance music. Disco emerged in early 1970s New York City, influenced by funk, soul, and Latin music. Cerrone and other French artists like Dalida and Amanda Lear led the Euro disco movement in the mid-1970s, with European artists like Daft Punk and Giorgio Moroder achieving success in the U.S.
“Everybody knows the real disco has never left,” Cerrone remarked. “It never stopped. Sometimes it was bigger then lower… With the young people, it’s funny. I performed at a big festival. I see 60,000 people in front of me. I stop the music and (they’re singing) ‘Supernature.’ It’s never changed.”
Waël Mechri-Yver, a French-Tunisian musician, praised Cerrone as a disco musical savant deserving of high recognition. Upon learning of Cerrone’s involvement in the opening ceremony, he invited him to headline DiscOlympics. “He’s the father of disco. He’s the king of disco music,” said Mechri-Yver, who performs as WAÏ. His company BABËL and Silencio hosted the event.
Mechri-Yver noted the resurgence of disco and aimed to champion the genre. Alongside Kosmo Kint and Greg Cerrone, he recorded “Are You Ready,” which debuted to positive reception at the event. “It’s very joyful, celebratory, inclusive, grateful music that is about giving praise to the Lord, giving praise to nature,” he said. “That’s why ‘Supernature’ was such an incredible performance. The Eiffel Tower lit up. The whole world started to sing. It was absolutely beautiful.”
DiscOlympics attendee Alexia Charles, typically not a nightclub regular, was drawn to see Cerrone perform after the opening ceremony. “It’s amazing to see,” she said. “You can hear the people screaming for him. That’s a good representation of electro music in France.”
Cerrone, energized by the crowd’s enthusiasm in his 70s, reflected, “That’s the best deal to live a long time. It makes me happy to sing about that.”
