Cantona, who released his debut song “The Friends We Lost” back in June, spoke to the BBC’s Colin Paterson about this surprising new career route. He said: “I always had this dream to go on stage and to be in front of people, because the show is something that we make together.”  

Watch Cantona in Liam Gallagher’s hit single “Once.”

The star also confirmed that his debut record will be a live album, which will be recorded during his tour shows. He said: “The audience, if they are in a good mood, a bad mood, we all use the energy of each other. These 20 tracks were built to be on stage. It’s why I wanted to do a live album first. It will be finished like the last touch on a painting.” 

The 57-year-old icon also sees himself in high regard and would want legendary band The Rolling Stones to support him. When asked who he would consider to be a supporting act to, Cantona jokingly said: “I am a headliner. It’s why I cannot understand you. Maybe The [Rolling] Stones can support me.” 

Cantona also spoke about his passion for music. He said: “When I was a kid, I had two passions: for art and sport. So I started with football, better I think. Now I can sing until the end of my life. I have a deep need of expressing myself.” The French-born star explained that it was during lockdown that he began to learn how to play guitar, which led him to write songs in both English and French. The star continued: “English is a really musical language. French not so musical.”  

When asked what his musical ambition is, Cantona had one clear answer. He said: “My only goal is a moment with the fans, this live moment. We will create something special. That’s it. I don’t want to be famous. I’m famous since I was born,” he chuckled.

Cantona released his debut EP earlier this week. The record features four songs, which includes his singles “The Friends We Lost” and the album title.

Listen to the EP.

Tour Dates

26/10/23 – Manchester Stoller Hall – Manchester
27/10 – Manchester Stoller Hall – Manchester
28/10 – Bloomsbury Theatre – London
29/10 – Bloomsbury Theatre – London