Laurent Rieppi

Laurent Rieppi
Laurent Rieppi in July 2022
Born (1980-10-14) 14 October 1980
Seraing, Belgium[1]
Occupationsradio journalist, music columnist, rock historian, author, professor and speaker
Years active2001–present
Known forAudiovisual press, rock history
AwardsPrix des Radios francophones publiques 2010 for "Best Editorialised Music Programme" in the "Short Format" category
Websitelaurentrieppi.com

Laurent Rieppi (born 14 October 1980) is a Belgian radio journalist, music columnist, rock historian, author, professor,[2] and speaker specialising in rock music.

He is currently a journalist and music columnist at Classic 21.[3]

Early life

At a young age Rieppi and his brother Stéphane were a fan of rock bands Queen and Led Zeppelin.[4][5] Around the age of fifteen, he and a friend launched Les Dinosaures[6], a show highlighting bands such as Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and The Who.[7] He learned radio production and presentation through this show.[8]

During this time he discovered the Internet. In early 2002 he launched the website classic-rock.be,[9] focused on music history and documentary research.

In 2003 Rieppi obtained a bachelor's degree in communication from the Haute École de la Province de Liège. During this period, he gained experience as an intern at RTBF, working on the programme Les Classiques[10] de Marc Ysaye[11] on Radio 21.

Career

Radio and media

Since the launch of the station on 1 April 2004,[12][13] Rieppi has worked for the French-speaking Belgian radio station Classic 21, where he writes, produces, and occasionally presents programmes and segments, focusing on the history of rock music.[3]

Although he initially focused on classic rock from the 1970s, he later expanded his coverage to encompass rock and pop genres from the 1950s to the present day, broadcasting to Belgium and non-Belgian French-speaking audiences.[14]

In 2006 he developed the radio programme Making-of, presented by Marc Ysaye. This series explores the origins of classic rock albums. In 2010, he and Marc Ysaye received the "Prix des Radios francophones publiques" for "Best Editorialised Music Programme" in the "Short Format" category for an episode of Making-of devoted to "Blackbird" by The Beatles.[15][16]

After presenting or co-presenting numerous programmes,[17] segments, and features[18] across multiple radio seasons, Rieppi is currently a co-presenter on Classic 21 for the following:

  • Soundtrack: A programme broadcast on Sunday mornings, co-hosted with Laurent Debeuf, Dominique Ragheb, and Walter de Paduwa. This show is part of the station's programming, offering an overview of rock music news accompanied by the station's soundtrack.[19][20][21]
  • Rock & Roll Attitude: A daily morning segment co-hosted with Fanny Gillard, featuring a new anecdote from the world of rock each day, presented within a broader social context.[22]
  • Nobody Knows: A Monday evening segment produced in collaboration with Pierre Lorand, exploring little-known facts about rock figures.[23]

Although he does not have a regular television programme, he occasionally appears on television to discuss music news[24][25] on the news bulletin of La Une, RTBF's main television channel.

Interviews

In 2005 Rieppi spoke with Marianne Faithfull. He has also held discussions with more recent and contemporary artists, such as Therapy?.,[26] and also with session musicians, sound engineers, and other individuals present at recordings or events.

According to him, their testimonies provide a different perspective on rock history, as they sometimes recall events differently from the main artists themselves – if they are still alive.[27] For example, in 2011, he interviewed Patrick Chauvel, a photographer and war correspondent. During this conversation, Chauvel shared his memories of Jim Morrison, whom he met in 1971 at the Rock'n'Roll Circus nightclub in Paris, shortly before the singer of The Doors died.

His interviewees have included Joe Cocker (2010),[28] Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen (2018),[29] Iggy Pop (2019),[30] Nile Rodgers (2021),[31] Tom Barman (2023),[32] and Carlos Santana (2025).[33] In 2023, Rieppi interviewed Mick Jagger, singer and co-founder of The Rolling Stones, on the occasion of the release of the album Hackney Diamonds.[34]

Author

Rieppi is also an author who has written and co-written several books on artists such as David Bowie,[35] Lou Reed,[36] Queen,[37][38] and Nick Cave.[39] His work as an author includes biographies and explores themes within rock music.[40]

Professor

Since 2021 Rieppi has been a professor of music culture at the Haute École Albert Jacquard, where he teaches the course History of Modern Music. His lectures cover the origins and evolution of musical movements, with a focus on the cultural impact of rock music.[41]

Speaker

In addition to his media work, Rieppi gives lectures on the history of rock music and its cultural impact.[42][43] He also organises, either independently or in collaboration, listening sessions[44] providing commentary on classic rock albums.[45][46][47] Occasionally, he introduces tribute band concerts,[48][49] placing them within their historical context. He also hosts interactive events such as blind tests and music quizzes.[50]

Works

  • Rieppi, Laurent (2013). Allo Bowie ? C'est David ! (in French). Brussels: Lamiroy. ISBN 978-2-875-95003-1. OCLC 742857231.
  • Rieppi, Laurent (2014). Lou Reed – On the Wild Side (in French). Waterloo: Renaissance du livre. ISBN 978-2-507-05241-6. OCLC 902662757.
  • Rieppi, Laurent (2017). David Bowie de A à Z (in French). Le livre en papier. ISBN 978-2-390-17281-9. OCLC 1400568146.
  • Binamé, Antoine; Rieppi, Laurent (2017). We will rock you – Queen de A à Z (in French). Zaventem: Universal Music Books. ISBN 978-2-930-91411-4. OCLC 1041746522.
  • Binamé, Antoine; Rieppi, Laurent (19 August 2022). Nick Cave - Mauvaise graine (in French). Rock & Folk. ISBN 978-2-380-58260-4.
  • Gillard, Fanny; Rieppi, Laurent (2022). Rock'n'roll attitude (in French). Rock & Folk. ISBN 978-2-380-58251-2. OCLC 1368282768.

References

  1. ↑ Rieppi, Laurent (2013). Allô Bowie ? C'est David !: Abécédaire (in French). Editions Lamiroy. ISBN 978-2-87595-003-1.
  2. ↑ "Laurent RIEPPI". progcours.heaj.be. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  3. 1 2 Dricot, Dominique (30 May 2024). "Laurent Rieppi : « Il faut que le rock soit dérangeant »". RTBF (in French). Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  4. ↑ "Sixmille | "In Utero" de Nirvana par Laurent Rieppi". www.sixmille.be (in French). 3 November 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  5. ↑ "Laurent Rieppi nous replonge dans les origines du rock!". sudinfo.be (in French). 19 February 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  6. ↑ "Laurent Rieppi". Babelio (in French). Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  7. ↑ "Laurent Rieppi nous replonge dans les origines du rock". SudInfo (in French). 19 February 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
  8. ↑ "Biographie Laurent Rieppi". Le livre en papier (in French). Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  9. ↑ Laurent Rieppi (28 January 2002). "Edito début d'année : 6 janvier 2002" (in French). Archived from the original on 8 February 2002. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  10. ↑ Leroy, Myriam (16 February 2008). ""C'est moi, tellement et complètement !"". La Libre.be (in French). Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  11. ↑ Ysaye, Marc (5 December 2024). La création de Classic 21: Les coulisses de la naissance d'une radio culte (in French). 180° éditions. ISBN 978-2-940721-59-7.
  12. ↑ Lorfèvre, Luc (25 March 2004). "Classic 21 : Mons et merveilles". DHnet (in French). Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  13. ↑ Meeus, Bernard (26 December 2024). "Marc Ysaye revient sur la création de « Classic 21 » : « J'adorais ce challenge »". Soirmag (in French). Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  14. ↑ "Laurent Rieppi (Classic 21) : « Je ne me lasserai jamais de Bowie… »". lequotidien.lu (in French). 11 January 2021. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  15. ↑ M.-A.G. (11 June 2010). "GENSINFO". La Libre.be (in French). Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  16. ↑ "Grand Prix des radios francophones publiques 2010". Radio France (in French). 15 June 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  17. ↑ Besnard, Jacques (4 November 2019). "radio LA chute du mur en musique". La Libre.be (in French). Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  18. ↑ K.T (23 August 2005). "La RTBF approfondit ses 5 voies-reines". La Libre.be (in French). Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  19. ↑ "Voici qui va remplacer Marc Ysaye sur Classic 21". Soirmag (in French). 5 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  20. ↑ Dievort, Charles Van (5 January 2023). "Voici l'émission qui remplace Les Classiques sur Classic 21". DHnet (in French). Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  21. ↑ "Soundtrack". RTBF Auvio (in French). Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  22. ↑ "Rock & Roll Attitude". RTBF Auvio (in French). Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  23. ↑ "Nobody Knows". RTBF Auvio (in French). Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  24. ↑ Lorfèvre, Luc (5 April 2024). "30 ans après la mort de Kurt Cobain, que reste-t-il du grunge en 2024 ?". La Libre.be (in French). Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  25. ↑ Broquet, Julien (29 October 2023). ""In Utero" sortait voici 30 ans: que reste-t-il de Nirvana aujourd'hui?". Focus (in Belgian French). Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  26. ↑ Aurélie, Moreau (20 April 2015). ""Therapy ?" en interview dans "We will rock you"". La Libre.be (in French). Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  27. ↑ "Entretien avec Laurent Rieppi autour de son livre « Allo Bowie ? C'est David ! »". Culturopoing (in French). 3 February 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2025.
  28. ↑ Sophie, Lebrun (22 December 2014). "Énumératif". La Libre.be (in French). Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  29. ↑ Chailloux, Mickael (20 June 2018). "Biopic de Freddie Mercury : le trailer analysé par Laurent Rieppi". Le Peuple Du Rock Webzine (in French). Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  30. ↑ "Iggy Pop en interview sur Classic 21". RTBF Auvio (in French). 11 September 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  31. ↑ "Nile Rodgers évoque l'album "Black Tie White Noise" de David Bowie". RTBF Auvio (in French). 26 November 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  32. ↑ "dEUS de retour après 10 ans d'absence". RTBF Auvio (in French). 20 February 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  33. ↑ Carlos Santana parle de Woodstock – à l'occasion de la sortie de l'album "Sentient" et avant sa venue en Belgique en 2025 (in French). Retrieved 6 April 2025 – via auvio.rtbf.be.
  34. ↑ "The Rolling Stones : Mick Jagger, interview exclusive : le secret de sa voix ? 'De l'exercice et de la chance'". RTBF (in French). 20 October 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  35. ↑ "David Bowie: a man on top of his game". Red Bull (in Flemish). 9 January 2017. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  36. ↑ "« Lou Reed – On the Wild Side » de Laurent Rieppi". Culturopoing (in French). 5 January 2015. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  37. ↑ "We Will Rock You". Le Soir (in French). 20 December 2017. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  38. ↑ "Un dernier cadeau de Noël à prévoir? Queen en vinyle, CD, DVD et livre". Le Soir (in French). 21 December 2017. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  39. ↑ "Nick Cave – Antoine Binamé, Laurent Rieppi". ActuaLitté.com (in French). 25 November 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  40. ↑ Rock'n'roll attitude – Fanny Gillard, Laurent Rieppi – Rock & Folk – Grand format – Les Traversées Paris (in French). 25 March 2022.
  41. ↑ "Laurent RIEPPI". progcours.heaj.be. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  42. ↑ M.V (17 September 2019). "Rock, expo et conférence chahutée à Philippeville". lavenir.net (in French). Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  43. ↑ VANDEWEYER, Maurice (27 September 2019). "La Fédérock et Alain Dubois font bon ménage". lavenir.net (in French). Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  44. ↑ ""David Bowie, une carrière de 50 ans !", conference by Laurent Rieppi and Pierre Bartholomé". Kulturmillen (in French). 13 December 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  45. ↑ "Aberdeen Plays Nirvana – "In Utero" 30th Anniversary". reflektor.be (in French). 25 November 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  46. ↑ "Central – La Louvière: des Beatles à Deep Purple avec un historien du rock". sudinfo.be (in French). 10 February 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  47. ↑ "Que faire ce week-end à Liège? Voici nos dix bons plans sorties". sudinfo.be (in French). 24 March 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  48. ↑ Ducobu, Florian (1 February 2023). "Les morceaux de David Bowie à l'honneur lors d'un concert-conférence au Canal 10 d'Hautrage". DHnet (in French). Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  49. ↑ Pontrandolfi, Antoine (16 September 2024). "Mouscron : une "capsule temporelle" pour faire revivre Nirvana, le 12 décembre au Staquet". lavenir.net (in French). Retrieved 29 January 2025.
  50. ↑ "ROCK POP QUIZZ W/ FANNY GILLARD & LAURENT RIEPPI". omconcerts.be (in French). 21 September 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
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