The British rock band Supertramp has released a remastered and expanded version of their 1979 live performance recorded in Paris, offering a renewed look at a pivotal era in the group’s history. The release, titled ‘Live In Paris ‘79’, is available as a 3-LP and 2-CD set, capturing a concert from the band’s ‘Breakfast in America’ tour.
The original ‘Paris’ live album, released in 1980, was born from a confluence of factors. According to Roger Hodgson, a key member of Supertramp, the band sought to showcase their earlier work to a wider American audience and believed their live performances often surpassed the studio recordings in energy and execution. However, a significant driver behind the album was also strategic: the band needed time to navigate the pressures of following up the monumental success of ‘Breakfast in America’.
‘Breakfast in America’, released in 1979, became a global phenomenon, ultimately selling over 20 million copies and earning two Grammy Awards. The band found themselves under intense pressure to deliver a worthy successor, but felt the need to step away from the constant cycle of touring and recording to reassess their creative direction. A live album provided a solution, effectively “filling the gap” until a new studio album could be developed, with a projected release date no earlier than 1981.
The concert itself took place on , at the Pavillon de Paris, a venue with a unique history – it was formerly a slaughterhouse. The recording captures Supertramp’s classic lineup: Rick Davies, Roger Hodgson, John Helliwell, Dougie Thomson, and Bob Siebenberg. The setlist includes many of their most recognizable tracks, such as “The Logical Song,” “Crime Of The Century,” “Give A Little Bit,” “Take The Long Way Home,” and “Breakfast in America.”
The initial release of ‘Paris’ reached number 8 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States in late 1980 and quickly achieved Gold status. A live version of “Dreamer” also became a significant hit, reaching the US Top 20. The album’s success underscored the band’s popularity and their ability to translate their studio sound to a dynamic live experience.
The Pavillon de Paris concert was not only recorded for the album but also filmed, and the new release serves as the soundtrack to that concert film. The expanded edition of ‘Live In Paris ‘79’ offers a comprehensive look at the performance, providing fans with a deeper immersion into the energy and atmosphere of that night.
Originally, the album was intended to be titled ‘Roadworks’ before the final name ‘Paris’ was chosen. This detail offers a glimpse into the band’s creative process and the evolution of the project. The decision to name the album after the city where it was recorded highlights the significance of the Parisian performance and its place in Supertramp’s history.
The release of ‘Live In Paris ‘79’ comes decades after the original album, offering both longtime fans and new listeners a chance to experience Supertramp at a high point in their career. It serves as a reminder of the band’s musical prowess, their captivating stage presence, and the enduring appeal of their songs. The album’s re-release also coincides with a broader trend of revisiting and remastering classic live performances, allowing audiences to rediscover the magic of live music from past eras.
The enduring popularity of Supertramp’s music is a testament to their songwriting and musicianship. ‘Breakfast in America’ remains a staple of classic rock radio, and their songs continue to resonate with audiences across generations. The ‘Live In Paris ‘79’ release provides a valuable addition to the band’s discography, offering a unique and compelling document of their live performance capabilities during a particularly successful period.
