Lens Supporters Pay Homage to Pierre Bachelet with "Les Corons" Anthem
The iconic anthem "Les Corons" by Pierre Bachelet has become synonymous with the RC Lens football club and its passionate supporters. On Sunday, the tradition continued as the song reverberated through the Stade Bollaert during a Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg, which the visitors ultimately won 2-0.
This particular occasion held special significance as the club commemorated the 20th anniversary of Bachelet’s passing on February 15, 2005. To pay tribute to the legendary singer, the Lens management invited Marine Delplace, the winner of the latest season of the talent show "Star Academy." Delplace, who hails from a small town near Arras, had performed "Les Corons" several times during the competition.
During halftime, Delplace stepped onto the field at the Stade Bollaert, adorned with a club scarf and microphone in hand. Alongside 38,000 enthusiastic Lens supporters, she belted out the anthem in the center of the pitch. The crowd erupted with applause and sang along to the second verse, eager to honor the memory of Bachelet.
An emotional performance unfolded, leaving Delplace visibly moved. Speaking to the Ligue 1 broadcaster DAZN, she expressed her relief and gratitude: "I was nervous, but I also felt a sense of hope that people would enjoy it. The pressure was even greater than on ‘Star Academy.’ I could barely sing!"
The Legacy of "Les Corons" for RC Lens
"Les Corons" has become an integral part of the RC Lens experience, capturing the essence of the club’s indomitable spirit and the unwavering bond between the team and its supporters. The anthem, originally written as a tribute to the miners of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, has resonated deeply with the people of Lens and its surrounding areas.
The song’s lyrics evoke the struggles and triumphs of the working-class miners, a connection that resonates with the history and identity of the RC Lens fan base. The club, founded in 1906 by miners, has long been a symbol of regional pride and community spirit.
Marine Delplace’s Emotional Tribute
Delplace’s performance of "Les Corons" was a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of the song and the singer it commemorated. Her rendition, infused with emotion and authenticity, touched the hearts of the Lens faithful, who embraced her as one of their own.
The invitation to perform at the Stade Bollaert was a testament to Delplace’s vocal talent and her deep connection to the region. As a native of the area, she understood the significance of the anthem and the importance of honoring Bachelet’s memory.
Celebrating the Power of Music and Community
Beyond its status as a sports anthem, "Les Corons" has become a symbol of unity and communal belonging for the people of Lens. The song’s message of perseverance and resilience has resonated with generations of supporters, creating a powerful bond that transcends the boundaries of the game.
The performance by Marine Delplace served as a reminder of the transformative power of music. Through her passionate rendition of "Les Corons," she brought together the Lens community, celebrated the legacy of a beloved artist, and paid tribute to the spirit that unites this passionate fan base.
