Michel Berger: Un dimanche au bord de l'eau

An unreleased track by Michel Berger has emerged, 23 years after the death of the French singer
songwriter.

The song Un dimanche au bord de l'eau was broadcast on French radio station RTL on Monday.

It dates from sessions in Los Angeles in the early 1980s, and was originally intended for his Beauséjour or Beaurivage albums, but it never saw the light of day.

Berger's widow France Gall mixed the song earlier this year, and added some of her vocals to the song.

The track will feature in the new stage musical Résiste, a show due to begin next month by  Gall, one of the best known interpreters of his work.

Gall aims to do for her and Bergers' work what Mama Mia did for Abba, setting the music in a whole new context and bringing it to a new generation.

A single Les accidents d'amour by Léa Deleau was released at the end of September.

Résiste is staged at the  Palais des Sports de Paris from November 4, before touring France from January 9 2016.

Rétro: Michel Berger

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Michel Berger, who died of a heart attack aged 44

Berger's best known work in France was probably the Starmania musical he co-created, but his work with Françoise Hardy and France Gall - who he married in 1976 - as well as his solo career that began in the mid 60s.

As a solo artist his first major success came in 1973 with Écoute la musique (Quelle consolation fantastique), following it in 1975 with the album  Que l'amour est bizarre which spawned to successful songs, the title track and Seras-tu là ?

In 1980, however, his Beauséjour album led to three hits, La Groupie du pianiste, Quelques mots d'amour et Celui qui chante.

His '83 album Voyou featured the memorable songs Diego, libre dans sa tête and La minute de silence.

In 86 he stopped performing as a solo artist, concentrating on writing for France Gall, although he went on to release the album  Ça ne tient pas debout and an album of duets with France Gall entitled  Double jeu in 1992, released just weeks before his death.

His work with Hardy and Gall revitalised the careers of the two singers, ensuring their careers continued into the 70s and beyond. He also worked with Johnny Hallyday, writing and producing his Rock 'n' Roll Attitude album in 1985 and collaborating with him on the Johnny à Bercy live album.

Berger was one of the most significant figures in the French music scene over the 1970s and 80s, and his songs and reputation ensure that even 20 years after his death he's remembered with affection.

Meanwhile, France Gall is currently working on a musical featuring his songs, due to see the light next year. His work looks set to be remembered for years to come.