Michel Rivard: Beau Dommage, Songs, New Album (2025)

There aren’t many artists who can claim a five-decade career and still release new music in 2025. Michel Rivard, the Quebec singer-songwriter best known as a founding member of Beau Dommage, is one of them. For more on Quebec artists, see our profiles of Pascale Montpetit and Colette Provencher.

Born: Montreal, Quebec ·
Associated act: Beau Dommage ·
Career span: 5 decades (since 1970s) ·
Latest album: Après, on va où? (2025) ·
Father: Robert Rivard (actor)

Six key facts at a glance:

Who is Michel Rivard?

Early life and background

• Born Joseph François Michel Rivard on September 27, 1951, in Montreal (Qobuz).
• His father, Robert Rivard, was a well-known actor in Quebec television (La Maison Fauve).
• He began acting in the TV series Rue des Pignons in 1969, according to Qobuz.

The implication: Rivard’s early foundation in both music and theatre set the stage for his multifaceted career.

Career highlights

• In 1970, he joined La Quenouille Bleue, a folk group that showcased his songwriting (Qobuz).
• Co-founded Beau Dommage in 1972 (Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame).
• Released his first solo album Méfiez-vous du grand amour in 1977 after the band’s initial breakup (Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame).
• Continued releasing solo work through the 1980s and 1990s, including Le Goût de l’Eau (1992) (Qobuz).
• Inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009.

Personal life

Rivard has kept his private life largely out of the spotlight. He is known to have been married and has children, but few details are publicly confirmed. La Maison Fauve describes him as “one of the most fascinating creators on Montreal’s cultural scene for the last 50 years.”

The implication: Rivard’s public persona is defined by his music, not his personal biography.

What is Michel Rivard’s connection to Beau Dommage?

Formation of Beau Dommage

• Beau Dommage was formed in 1972 by Michel Rivard, Pierre Huet, Pierre Bertrand, Robert Léger, Marie Michèle Desrosiers, Réal Desrosiers, and Michel Hinton (Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame).
• Some sources alternatively place the formation in 1973 after expanding from the theatre troupe Théâtre Sainfoin (JazzRockSoul).

The name “Beau Dommage” – meaning “Beautiful Damage” – was chosen to reflect a poetic irony, a trademark of the band’s lyrical style.

Rivard’s role in the band

• Rivard was the primary songwriter and guitarist, contributing classic songs like “Le blues de la Métropole” and “La complainte du phoque en Alaska” (La Maison Fauve).
• The band’s self-titled debut album in 1974 sold over 350,000 copies, a record for Quebec at the time (Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame).

Rivard’s departure and solo career

• Beau Dommage went on hiatus in 1978, and Rivard launched his solo career (Le Canal Auditif).
• The band reunited in 1994 for a new album and tour (Qobuz).

The pattern: Rivard’s solo work is often seen as a continuation of the Beau Dommage sound, but he has also branched into television hosting and comedy.

What are Michel Rivard’s most famous songs?

Solo hits

• “Le blues de la Métropole”
• “La complainte du phoque en Alaska”
• “Ginette”
• “Je voudrais voir la mer”
• “Un trou dans les nuages”
• “Tout simplement jaloux”
• “Rive-sud”
• “Maudit bonheur”

All these songs are credited to Rivard by La Maison Fauve.

Songs with Beau Dommage

• “Le blues de la Métropole” (also a Beau Dommage staple)
• “Harmonie”
• “Le pic”

Most streamed tracks

While exact streaming numbers are not publicly available, “Le blues de la Métropole” and “La complainte du phoque en Alaska” are considered classics in Quebec and are frequently played on radio.

What this means: Rivard’s songwriting has left an indelible mark on Quebec’s musical identity.

Is Michel Rivard still performing?

Recent tours

Rivard continued to perform live throughout the 2010s and 2020s. He has been active on YouTube (official channel) and his official website, posting concert dates and new material.

New album release 2025

In 2025, Rivard released Après, on va où? – his first studio album in several years. The album is available on streaming platforms and physical formats (Qobuz).

Upcoming events

• According to La Maison Fauve, Rivard has scheduled performances in 2026.
• Exact dates and venues are yet to be announced.

The catch: Rivard’s performance schedule is less frequent than in his prime, but his 2025 album release signals a renewed creative phase.

What does Beau dommage mean?

Origin of the name

The band’s name was chosen by its members. “Beau” means “beautiful” in French, and “dommage” means “damage” or “pity.” Together, the phrase carries a poetic, almost ironic meaning – “beautiful damage.”

Translation

In English, it is often translated as “Beautiful Damage.” The name reflects the band’s lyrical mix of melancholy and beauty, a hallmark of Quebec chanson.

Significance

Beau Dommage’s name has become iconic in Quebec music. It symbolizes the band’s ability to find elegance in everyday struggles, a theme that resonates strongly in their songs.

The pattern: Rivard’s career milestones follow a rhythm of beginnings, peaks, and comebacks.

For Quebec music fans, the choice is clear: Michel Rivard’s legacy is secure, and his 2025 album proves he is still a vital voice. Those who haven’t explored his work should start with Le blues de la Métropole and La complainte du phoque en Alaska – two songs that capture the wit and warmth of a five-decade career.