Plastic Bertrand: The Belgian New Wave and Punk Icon

Plastic Bertrand is the stage name of Roger Jouret, a Belgian musician who became an international one-hit wonder in the late 1970s. Hailing from Brussels, his primary achievement is the global punk and new wave anthem "Ça plane pour moi," a record that defined a specific, energetic corner of European pop culture.

Early career

Roger Jouret was born in Brussels in 1954 and began his musical journey as a drummer. Before adopting the Plastic Bertrand persona, he played in various bands, including the punk group Hubble Bubble, which released a single in 1977.

Breakthrough

Plastic Bertrand's breakthrough came in 1977 with the release of "Ça plane pour moi." The song, produced by Lou Deprijck, was a frenetic, tongue-in-cheek punk-pop track that became a massive hit across Europe and gained significant airplay in other markets, including the US and UK. While often a one-hit wonder internationally, the single sold millions of copies worldwide and remains synonymous with the era's quirky new wave sound.

Key tracks

Ça plane pour moi - This 1977 single is his definitive hit, characterized by its rapid-fire vocal delivery and simple, catchy guitar riff.

Stop ou encore - A follow-up single that continued in a similar vein, capitalizing on the momentum of his initial success.

Tout petit la planète - This track exemplifies his continued output in the French-language pop and rock genre throughout the 1980s.

Despite being primarily known for one song, Plastic Bertrand maintained a career in Belgium and France, releasing several albums and hosting television shows. His music, particularly "Ça plane pour moi," has been featured in numerous films, commercials, and compilations, cementing its status as a cult classic. The artist's work is a staple on classic rock and 80s retro radio stations that feature international hits.

Listeners who enjoy Plastic Bertrand's Belgian new wave and punk style may also appreciate the music of similar artists like Telex, another innovative Belgian electronic and pop act from the same period. The French punk energy can be found in Starshooter, while the playful, catchy side of European pop is echoed by Lio.

Plastic Bertrand's iconic track remains a fixture on alternative and classic pop radio streams, ensuring new generations discover this slice of Belgian music history. You can hear the music of Plastic Bertrand on various radio stations featured here.