Bernard Lavilliers pays tribute to Catherine Ringer and recalls plans to sing with her

Catherine Ringer, singer with the Rita Mitsouko, died aged 68 in September after a fast-moving cancer.

Accounts give different dates for her death, placing it on September 14 or 15.

Bernard Lavilliers paid tribute to her on French TV on October 22, recalling their long friendship and artistic connection.

They recorded a version of his song “Idées noires” together in 2014.

Lavilliers had hoped to sing with her again, but the plan cannot now happen.

He said he had not known she was ill and described her as inspiring, independent and impossible to replace.

Her death leaves a gap in music and poetry, he said; no further plans related to the tribute were given.