The life of an artist is by no means a bed of roses. That is why, in 1951, Maurice Chevalier and so many others created the Comité du cœur. Over all these years, to cope with life’s ups and downs, our mutual aid and support association for Sacem members is still there! We are constantly receiving heartfelt testimonials about this solidarity in times of distress. The following are just a few examples… 

Whether in the solitude of songwriting or composing, with an instrument or on the road touring, the life of an artist is full of ups and downs. The founders of the Comité du cœur were well aware of this. That is why they created this association, which is as strong today as it was then. The Committee is always there for anyone going through a difficult time. We therefore wished to relay here a few testimonials from authors and composers who have, one day, experienced this first hand. 

Facing fire or theft

The group KO KO MO was one of them on its 2023 tour. “We used to go on a bus tour with the band. It was the middle of the night, and we were asleep”, recalls Kevin (K20) Grosmolard. “The bus caught fire. We rushed out of the bus”. The fire destroyed all the band’s electronic equipment. Fortunately, the musical instruments were saved. But most of the tracks from the band’s albums were burnt. KO KO MO were forced to cancel several dates on their tour. 

“It was our manager who encouraged us to contact the Comité du cœur, adds K20. As artists and technicians, we didn’t necessarily have the idea of asking for money in this situation. This support helped us a lot, given that things were dragging on with the insurance company…” 

One of the most difficult moments that the Comité du cœur has witnessed in recent months was when a van was stolen during the tour of another artist member of the Comité du cœur, who is still deeply shaken by this event. “It was a great relief to get the support of the Comité du cœur”, he says. “It’s quite stressful to go through an event like this. Even though everything is far from sorted, this gesture of support from the Committee has warmed our hearts.”

Overcoming low times

Sometimes the lowest moment comes with global events… Such was the case with the pandemic, which shook everyone to the core, and the cultural sector in particular. “In the second month of lockdown, I realised that I wasn’t going to make it”, recalls Viktor Lazlo. “All my projects had been cancelled. I appealed to the Comité du cœur and got help right there and then. It literally saved me for a large part of the lockdown. It was very specific, but very targeted and very efficient. I couldn’t have wished for such a direct, quick and useful response.” This support was all the more important because, like so many other artists, Viktor had never asked for “any help whatsoever.”

This boost from the Comité du cœur may have been a one-off event, but above all it got the creative process flowing again. “Once it was sorted out, once we could go out again, dance, sing and kiss each other, my activity gradually picked up again”, smiles Viktor.

Rose has also been through rough times. But the singer-songwriter remains positive. « I’ve kept my faith through the hard times, and heaven has never stopped sending me signs of its presence, she rejoices And Claude Lemesle was one of them. By supporting me, Arlette, Claude and the entire Comité du cœur gave me hope, joy and respite too. But it was their trust that was the greatest gift of all, because it restored my own. 

Thank you for reminding me that words and music are my first love. Thank you for your kindness and fairness towards us artists. I promise to be worthy of your generosity. »

Tout cela ne serait pas possible sans la générosité et la solidarité de l’ensemble des membres du Comité du cœur. Si vous aussi, vous souhaitez rejoindre cette chaîne de solidarité, cela se passe sur notre page « Comment adhérer ».

Also discover the new video of the Comité du cœur that beautifully illustrates the importance of our association.