On June 23, 2024, the vibrant city of Nice will once again host the
Pink Parade, a dynamic and colorful celebration dedicated to promoting
LGBTQ+ rights, diversity, and inclusion. This annual event, set against
the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera, draws thousands of
participants and spectators from across the globe, uniting in a powerful
demonstration of solidarity and pride.
A History of Advocacy and Celebration
The
Pink Parade has its roots in the early 2000s, emerging as a grassroots
initiative to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues in the region. Over
the years, it has grown into one of the most significant Pride events in
southern France, symbolizing both the progress made and the ongoing
fight for equality.
Highlights of the 2024 Pink Parade
This
year's Pink Parade promises to be a spectacular affair, featuring a
range of activities designed to engage, educate, and entertain. The
festivities will kick off with a colorful parade through the heart of
Nice, where participants dressed in an array of costumes and waving
rainbow flags will march in a joyful procession.
This
year the parade route will start at the Port of Nice at “Place Île de
Beauté” close to 4 pm and wind through some of Nice's most iconic
streets such as around the port towards and down part of the famous
Promenade des Anglais, offering a feast for the eyes and an opportunity
for onlookers to join in the celebrations.
After the
parade, everyone is welcome to gather at the open air, Théâtre de
Verdure, situated between Place Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais
for a wide range of free entertainment featuring renowned DJs and
performers, the party will provide a space for revelers to dance the
night away in a safe environment. And of course, the local nightclubs,
bars, and restaurants will be extending that welcome for their own Pride
celebratory events.
The Significance of the Pink Parade
The Pink
Parade is more than just a festive event; it is a powerful statement of
visibility and resilience. For many participants, it represents a rare
opportunity to express their true selves openly and without fear. The
event also serves as a reminder of the challenges that the LGBTQ+
community continues to face, both in France and around the world.
Community and Support
The
success of the Pink Parade is a testament to the strength and
solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community in Nice and the broader region. It is
supported by numerous local organizations, volunteers, and sponsors,
all of whom play a crucial role in making the event a reality. The
inclusive nature of the parade invites everyone—regardless of their
sexual orientation or gender identity—to join in the celebration and
stand in support of equality and human rights.
Looking Forward
As
the Pink Parade in Nice prepares to take to the streets on June 23, the
excitement and anticipation are palpable. This year’s event promises to
be a memorable occasion, filled with joy, pride, and a shared
commitment to a future where everyone can live freely and authentically.
Whether
you’re a local resident, a visitor, or a member of the global LGBTQ+
community, the Pink Parade offers an inspiring and uplifting experience
that underscores the importance of love, acceptance, and unity. Join the
parade, celebrate diversity, and be part of this extraordinary movement
towards a more inclusive world.
This may be unusual, considering Gay French Riviera is supposed to be
about everything LGBTQ related in the Cote d’Azur, but there is a couple
of unexpected connections. Without question though, the 80s group,
Vicious Pink has always been a hot favorite in the gay nightclub scene. As many a longtime fan of the 80s band, Vicious Pink. One
evening, playing around on one of my Instagram accounts, I took a clip
from a vintage fashion show in Paris and paired it with their song, “I
confess”.
Not long after I posted it with the
hashtag #viciouspink, the singer Josephine Warden (Jose) of Vicious Pink
noticed it. I was thrilled that she simply liked the post.
Over
time, our online friendship grew, and I eventually discovered that a
new Vicious Pink vinyl, aptly named "Unexpected," would be released in a
limited edition by Minimal Wave Records on May 21, 2024.
From
there, we connected, and I was fortunate enough to interview both Brian
Moss and Jose Warden of Vicious Pink. We discussed their impact on the
nightclub scene in the 80s, particularly within the LGBTQ community, as
well as their future plans for music.
To jump right in, do you realize just how big of an impact
your music has had in the gay community in the 80s and continues on to
this day?
Jose: That is such a compliment, the music is
always so much better in gay clubs! We started to realize very quickly
that the gay crowd was behind us and as we started to play live shows
and meet our audience, we knew that a lot of our support came from the
gay community. I have always been a fervent supporter of LGBTQ rights
and stand solidly at their side.
Your music stands out
from the other high energy sounds back then. To friends and myself, it
was also Jose’s vocals that helped make what was already
forward-thinking music, into something that had a sense of
sophistication and erotism. And people took notice, especially in the
club scene. Is this something you recognized when first getting out
there as well?
Jose: We knew we were different, and we
knew that we wouldn’t appeal to everyone, but that was irrelevant,
because we appealed to people like us. We were both great clubbers
ourselves, so we were right in the midst of it. Good times.
To provide some history to readers. How did the two of you get together musically?
Brian:
We met at an alternative night in Leeds 1979 at a pub called The
Adelphi, where I was the DJ. We decided to start the band initially for a
bit of fun. As we developed, we aimed for success in the clubs and
alternative bars with DJ friendly mixes for night clubs, rather than
radio friendly commercial hits. There was no internet then, the DJ’s and
the night clubs were like the internet of the day, they got your sound
out there.
Can you share the story behind the name "Vicious Pink"?
Jose:
Me, Brian and Dave wrote some our favorite words down on pieces of
paper, turned them upside down and shuffled them about. Then we each
choose one of the pieces of paper. On my piece of paper, the word was
Vicious, Dave's was Pink and Brian’s was Phenomena. We rearranged them
on the floor, to read, ‘Vicious Pink Phenomena’.
And you both also provided backing vocals for Soft Cell at one point? How did that come together?
Jose:
One night, Brian and I had gone to a bar in the center of Leeds called
Amnesia, to watch my friend, the fabulous performance artist Marc
Almond, perform with his new band, Soft Cell, which he had formed with
Dave.
I think Anni Hogan was the DJ that night,
which was pretty cool as there weren’t many female DJs at the time.
About five minutes before Soft Cell were due on- stage Marc asked if we
would do some backing vocals for him. “Tonight?”’
I
asked, “I don’t know any of the lyrics?” Unperturbed, Marc rushed to
the bar, grabbed a pen and a white serviette on which he wrote in big,
black, capital letters ‘MISERY, COMPLAINTS, SELF PITY, INJUSTICE. CHIPS
ON MY SHOULDER, CHIPS ON MY SHOULDER.’
“Just follow me”, he said.
And
we did, all the way to New York, where three months later, in Media
Sound Studios, Manhattan, I held onto the same serviette as we recorded,
‘Chips on My Shoulder’ and other songs for ‘Non- Stop Erotic Cabaret,’
Soft Cells debut album.
That’s amazing! What is your typical songwriting process like? Do you start with lyrics or music?
Brian: Usually, music first.
How do you approach production and the use of technology in your music?
Brian:
When we started out there were no Music Technology courses, no Midi, it
all had to be learned from scratch. That was probably a bonus in some
ways, because I had to experiment with all the new equipment, so
sometimes there would be a happy accident!
One example: I could
sync my Roland BassLine TB303 to the Roland TR606 Drum Machine, via a
5-Pin Din lead, which looks like a Midi lead, but is wired differently. I
could also trigger the Arpeggiator on my Roland Juno 60 by connecting a
quarter inch jack lead from the TR606 to the Arpeggiator Clock-In on
the Juno 60. Then program, for example a tom pattern in the desired
rhythm, to send the pulse to trigger the Juno 60, then all 3 were in
tempo sync.
This was used for ‘Fetish’, 8:15 To Nowhere and
other songs. I also used this for live shows, so no need for tape
backing tracks when in use.
I know you played in
New York live at the Ritz in 1984. The 80s were such an individualistic
and artistic time, especially in New York and London. Who and what were
your influences then?
Brian: I loved Kraftwerk, YMO, DAF,
Devo, Bowie, John Foxx and many more, but we always wanted to have our
own sound, so we didn’t let the love of other artists creep into our
music, plus the world already had those great artists.
Do you have any memorable stories from your various live performances?
Jose:
We always took a 1960’s mannequin, who we called Lucy, to all our shows
as a stage prop. I would dress her up in my clothing. We played The
Crocs Club (later, Pink Toothbrush) in Rayleigh, Essex one night, and I
dressed Lucy in a tiny black leather miniskirt and black lace top that I
had worn the night before at a show in London. After the show, we said
‘hello’ to some people and had a few drinks as usual. When it came to do
the loadout of our gear, we found Lucy, still onstage, naked, someone
had actually stripped her and stolen my clothes!
How did it feel to achieve success in the 80s music scene?
Brian:
We were amazed, because initially we really started Vicious Pink more
as a project and mainly for fun. It's a strange feeling at first, just
to see people dancing in clubs to our music. I remember going to Area in
Manhattan one night and the dance floor was rammed as people danced to,
‘Cccan’t You See’.
What inspired your hit singles like "Cccan't You See" and "Fetish"?
Jose:
Youth, lust, passion, sex, desire. We had just reached that age when
these things are so much more important than anything else.
Do you realize just how big of a contribution you have made to the electronic music scene?
Brian: We realize it more now due to the feedback we get online and the global audience we can reach through the Internet.
Which of your songs are you most proud of, and why?
Brian: That’s a difficult one, it’s like asking which of the children you like best!
Jose:
I’m proud of all of them but my favorite is, ‘Ask Me To Stay’. There is
something about it that makes me want to sing along with it when I hear
it.
For the audience reading this, what did you
both do after you stopped recording in the 80s? People continued to love
and desire your music, wanting more. Did it make you want to rethink
things in how you produce music for the future?
Brian:
I continued recording, writing and producing with Drug Free America
into the late 90’s. Then I worked/collaborated with other bands and I
didn’t stop writing music. 2003 - 2018 I worked touring with different
bands around the UK and Europe doing TM, merch, driving and lots of
other on-tour duties. Some of the bands: Bullet For My Valentine, Bring
Me The Horizon, It Dies Today and many more and with different styles of
music!
A few years ago people were quite excited and pleasantly
surprised to see the elusive Jose back in view. It was like a firestorm
on the internet about it all. What seemed to be the reasons to get back
into the music industry, Jose? The fans are so excited you are back!
Jose:
I stopped writing and performing completely, although I kept in touch
with what was happening in the music world as I married a music lawyer,
and a lot of friends were still in the business. I was only persuaded to
come back to it by the wonderful Veronica Vasicka, founder of Minimal
Wave records just before ‘West View’, the album she released two years
ago.
How has the music industry changed since you first started, and how have you adapted to those changes?
Brian:
Less CD sales, vinyl almost dying then making a comeback and now
downloads, and streaming added to the mix. Yes, we’ve adapted very well
to the internet age, it would have been nice to have it back when we
started.
Your new LP, ‘Unexpected’, which I absolutely
love, offers 10 tracks being released this week. How did you choose the
songs for the LP?
Brian: I went through lots of reel to
reel tapes and cassettes of our work, then together with the help of my
DJ friends Jase Matthaus and Dee Shaw, did the digital rips at Jase’s
studio. I then sent copies to Jose and between us we chose the 10
tracks.
My favorites are, So You Want to Love Me?, South Side, Not
Your Kind of Girl, Night Drive. Each of the songs on the LP are unique
and seem to display your musical experiences from over the years. Much
of it I can see being played not only in the nightclubs but also as
background in movies.
Brian: I can see that happening too. I hope so.
Are there any songs that stand out to you or are more personal on ‘Unexpected’ that you love?
Jose:
It’s perpendicular for me because it takes me right back to the start
of it all. It reminds me of our very early days when Brian, Dave and I
used to just experiment with sounds and beats, before we even thought
about introducing vocals.
What are the plans for Vicious Pink now?
Brian:
New Vicious Pink remixes by Paul Dakeyne (Tin Man ‘18 Strings’ fame) to
be released. New Vicious Pink songs in the pipeline and maybe some live
shows.
What legacy do you hope Vicious Pink will leave in the music world?
Brian:
I would like more people to discover us around our beautiful planet and
that they continue dancing to and enjoying our music.
Jose: Dance!
In
contact with Jose for the interview, she learned that I live in the
French Riviera and mentioned she sometimes goes on holiday in the
region. So I’m excited to hopefully meet up with her at some point this
summer.
To purchase Vicious Pink’s new vinyl LP, ‘Unexpected’, click here:
A massive thank you to Vicious Pink for the interview!
With all of the excitement of the 77th Cannes Film Festival, it’s no
wonder that the city makes for an attractive investment in real estate
which can be a highly attractive proposition for numerous reasons:
1. Global Prestige: Cannes' famous film festival attracts global attention, maintaining demand for luxury accommodations.
2. Year-Round Tourism: Mediterranean climate, beaches, shopping, dining, and nightlife ensure high rental property occupancy.
3. Prime Location: Positioned on the French Riviera with stunning views and connectivity to Nice, Monaco, and Saint-Tropez.
4. Luxury Market: Known for high-end properties and lifestyle, attracting affluent buyers and renters.
5. Cultural and Recreational Amenities: Rich in cultural attractions and activities like yachting and golf, enhancing its appeal.
6. Strong Rental Market: Robust demand from tourists and business travelers provides reliable rental income.
7. Property Value Appreciation: Steady value growth due to limited prime coastal property and high demand.
8. Infrastructure and Accessibility: Modern infrastructure and proximity to Nice Airport ensure easy access.
9. Stable Market: The French real estate market, especially in Cannes, is stable and less volatile.
10. Quality of Life: High quality of life with natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern conveniences.
These
factors collectively make Cannes a prime location for real estate
investment, promising both strong returns and an appealing lifestyle.
With that, here are a few seaside properties on the market:
Located in a prestigious building on the Croisette in Cannes. This splendid property of 70m2 is situated on a high floor.
It
consists of a large living room facing south, opening onto a 10m2
terrace allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean
Sea with the beach directly across the street.
Spacious living room with an open-plan kitchen. 2 bedrooms en suite with shower room. Completely renovated with top amenities. 1 garage and a cellar complete this property.
Situated within a secure residence on the prestigious Croisette, this 110m2 T4 awaits your discovery on the 6th floor.
Its spacious layout encompasses a generous living area, incorporating a lounge, dining area, and open kitchen.
With three bedrooms and three shower rooms, comfort is paramount.
Step onto the 11m2 terrace to revel in panoramic sea views, enhancing the allure of this property.
Meticulously renovated with tasteful, high-quality materials, it exudes elegance.
An added convenience is the included garage. This residence epitomizes the essence of an ideal location. Cannes Price on Application
Living Area: 580 m2 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5
This luxurious duplex penthouse sits at the heart of the Croisette within a secure residence.
A
rare gem in Cannes, it has been impeccably renovated by Pellerin,
boasting 580m2 spread across two levels with panoramic views of the bay,
Mediterranean, and Esterel mountains.
The first
floor features a spacious living room, dining area, fully equipped
kitchen, and 5 en suite bedrooms, including a lavish master suite.
Ascend to the upper floor to find a grand reception room with an open-plan kitchen overlooking the Mediterranean.
Additionally, a wellness area with Hammam, sauna, and indoor swimming pool adds to the allure of this exceptional property.
Outside, a magnificent 400m2 terrace beckons, offering unparalleled vistas and an ideal space for relaxation and entertainment.
Completing the package are multiple garages and a cellar, ensuring both convenience and luxury for its fortunate residents.
One of the biggest weekends of the year is upon us with the
upcoming Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix taking place from May 24th to 26th.
Planning on how you will get in and out of Monaco during this time is key to having the best experience.
To
accommodate the races and the thousands of fans who attend over the
three-day event, numerous roads are closed, most of the car parks are
closed, and access to certain areas of the Principality is significantly
restricted for both drivers and pedestrians.
Which means, driving into Monaco by car or taxi during the Grand Prix can easily take two or three hours or more.
Big
tip: don’t bother driving as once you finally arrive, you will spend
almost as much time trying to find a place to park and will likely have
to walk a considerable distance to the race tracks.
Public Transit
Bus services have
already increased this year due simply to tourist demand. The bus from
Nice might take longer than the train, especially with the additional
traffic and congestion during the event, but it remains a viable
alternative and quite scenic.
There are various bus
routes available, including the Ligne Express 80 from Nice Airport and
the 602 from the Vauban bus station in Nice to the Casino in Monaco.
Additionally, the new 600 bus line runs from Nice to Menton via Monaco
and back.
The train journey from Nice to Monaco
takes about 22 minutes. During the Grand Prix weekend, trains will
depart from Nice approximately every 15 minutes and cost less than €5 if
booked in advance.
The first train departs at 5:40 am, and
the last trains back from Monaco on May 25th and 26th are scheduled for
11:51 pm—perfect if you want to stay a little later in the
Principality.
For both the trains and buses, expect lineups and plenty of people in general so leave earlier for your arrival to Monaco.
Taxis, Uber, Bolt
Another
option is to travel to and from Monaco using a taxi or ride-hailing
services like Uber or Bolt, though this can be more complicated than it
seems as there are various rules.
Monaco-registered
taxis can only pick up passengers within the Principality, as there is
no agreement permitting them to collect passengers from French
territory.
Car service drivers from France can
collect and drop off passengers inside Monaco, but only if they have an
official vignette. With only 320 of these permits available, the demand
for taxi and ride-hailing services is high, resulting in elevated
prices.
Alternatively, you can still take an Uber or
Bolt (expect to pay premium rates) into Cap d’Ail, as an example, and
make your way into Monaco by foot. Taxis in general in France are more
expensive than Uber or Bolt.
Helicopter
Flying from
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport to the Principality takes just seven minutes
from helipad to helipad, making it unquestionably the fastest and most
stress-free way to reach the action.
But again, book ahead.
Taking
a scenic flight is a great alternative. Blade, owned by Monaco-based
Monacair, offers rates starting at €550 on May 24th, 25th, and 27th,
with prices for "Race Day" flights on May 26th starting at €650.
Walking
As
odd as it sounds, it can be done. One example is, if you can make your
way to the heart of Cap d’Ail then a leisurely walk into Monaco can take
around 30 minutes.
Monaco itself has an area of 2.1 km2
(0.81 sq mi), or 208 ha (510 acres), making it easily accessible by
foot, even with the street restrictions in place for the Grand Prix.
