A place of your own
Johnny and his family enjoyed a quiet vacation in their villa, far from the spotlight. Saint-Barth was, quite simply, the island dear to his heart. Here, he was known to all and lived a peaceful life free from media harassment. Surrounded by his family and friends, he privileged moments of simplicity without the need for security. It has to be said that here, more than anywhere else, celebrities are not bothered by fans: their peace and quiet is respected. Locals and seasonal workers respect people's privacy and lives, whether they're wealthy or not.
Johnny and Saint-Barth
It was by sea that Johnny discovered Saint-Barth in 1977! During his escape to the West Indies, he docked at the Port of Gustavia with his friend Joe Dassin. As with any self-respecting "sailor", a visit to Le Sélect (the island's legendary bar) seemed inevitable, and would remain one of his favorite spots. The bar is simple, friendly, inspires freedom and travel, and its values are dear to the heart of the star, who will be sure to make a stop there on his next visits. It was created in 1949 by Marius Stakelborough, a legendary figure on the island who sadly passed away in 2020 at the age of 98. Falling under the spell of this peaceful, "m'as tu vu"-free lifestyle, Johnny built his 500 m² vacation home on the heights of Marigot Bay. You can see it from the road below, and imagine the magnificent view from the residence named Jade in honor of his daughter. After the passage of Irma in 2017, the house became a home for disaster victims.
Johnny's generosity, and the well-being he sought in Saint-Barth, were shared during the beautiful evenings at Ti-Saint-Barth in Pointe Milou. A festive, almost family atmosphere where he mingled happily with all the guests of owner Carole Gruson. A tropical retreat where the artist enjoyed letting go. Many of his friends, including Marc Lavoine, Jean Reno and many others, have passed through this place, which is inseparable from the island's nightlife... He loved the atmosphere, which was sometimes a little excessive, but he was also keen to stay in shape! He loved the dynamic aquabiking sessions at Gustavia's Ultimate Center sports club.
In the skin of a fan
The fans we meet on the outskirts of the cemetery all have different, endearing stories to tell. Philou, for example, has his guitar tattooed on his left forearm. Since the age of 7, he has been rocked by the songs of his idol. Like other fans, he visits his idol's grave every day, and tells us that in the evening, the candles light up to form a heart with wings. It's true that the grave is always decorated with care: flowers and, above all, pebbles with evocative and poignant phrases. The pebbles are collected on Shell Beach or at Grand-Fond beach, where Philou was lucky enough to find one in the shape of a heart!
How to honor his memory?
The first idea that comes to mind is to find a local florist and brighten up the idol shrine. There aren't many florists on the island, and the heat will be the deciding factor. We don't know whose idea it was to place message-carrying pebbles on the tomb, but they seem to be the most beautiful of gifts. The pebbles come from the surrounding beaches, and the messages inscribed on them testify to the infinite love of the fans. They convey a simple message just like life on the island, and allow everyone to have a little place next to Johnny. For those unable to make the trip, an attempt has even been made to sell souvenirs remotely.
"Johnny and his memory" allow a non superficial discovery of the island
Nostalgic fans will no doubt make the trip whistling "Restez vivant". Like Philou, fans love the human warmth, relaxed atmosphere and simplicity that emanate from the island. Johnny, in his white casket at Lorient cemetery, brings people together and shows the way for his fans, who leave with a vision of Saint-Barth that is not truncated. Some admirers, of course, will try to find out all about the star's habits, asking to pass by his house... But during their tour of the island, the real treasure will be talking to the locals and discovering the humility of its inhabitants. Having come on a journey guided by emotion, they will be touched to the core by the island's philosophy.
And the premises?
The influx of worshippers was modest, and did not disrupt the lives of the local inhabitants as might have been feared. So much so, in fact, that the media frenzy surrounding the inheritance dispute in France has not reached Saint-Barth. Gossip is not the order of the day, nor is it the stuff of barroom chatter. There is a respect for the deceased and his family, and an impenetrable collective discretion. Saint-Barth will never be polluted by mass tourism. No souvenir shop has surfed the wave to take advantage of this exception. Here, more than anywhere else, simplicity reigns supreme, and you may be disappointed if you're looking for a showbiz effect. On the other hand, the memory of Johnny allows some tourists to venture to Saint-Barth, realizing that the island, which may seem inaccessible, offers welcoming infrastructures at reasonable prices (bed & breakfasts, cottages, family hotels).
A future mausoleum dedicated to the rockstar?
It remains to be seen whether Johnny's grave will be transposed to a 4-seater family vault to ensure a better reception for passers-by and encourage family meditation on the neighboring graves! This seems to be the wish of the singer's wife... In September 2019, the two graves adjoining that of the rockstar were indeed exhumed and transferred to Public's Swedish cemetery. A controversy has arisen locally, as they concern two figures who died in Saint-Barthélemy during the Swedish period (1854): Elizabeth and Anastase Portelly. These two 165-year-old tombs are important for the preservation of the local historical heritage. The case is ongoing: the singer's children are opposed to Johnny's exhumation.
