Renaud is celebrating his 50th career this year. That’s not the only accomplishment the singer can celebrate. After suffering from several addictions, the 74-year-old singer is now sober. He no longer drinks alcohol or smokes. A fight that was difficult for the artist to wage. His twin brother, David Séchan, spoke about the courage the singer demonstrated to fight his demons. In the columns of Midi-FreeSunday May 24, 2026, David Séchan notably returned to the paranoia attacks from which his brother suffered for a long time.
It was these crises that led Renaud to fall into alcoholism. “At the beginning, it hurt very, very bad. More and more bad. Until the moment we gave up. That’s what happened. There was nothing more we could do for him“explained David Séchan. The brother of the performer of the title Mistral Winner particularly focused on the memories of his brother, when he was prey to alcohol: “I went to see him at the Closerie des Lilas. He was in a catatonic state. He no longer spoke. He ordered Ricard after Ricard. He smoked cigarette after cigarette. He didn’t even answer my questions. There was no point in me being there“s’est-il remémoré.
Renaud saved by his daughter and his wife Cerise
It was only after years of wandering that Renaud finally managed to turn a corner in his life. The singer decided to take care of himself. Little by little, he led a difficult fight against his addictions. Throughout all the stages, he was able to count on his wife, Cerise, and his daughter, Lolita: “Addictions are very fragile, but he is well looked after by his new wife who is very vigilant. His daughter (Lolita Séchan, editor’s note) is also ruthless. And his two assistants keep an eye on things”described David Séchan. A key entourage in its reconstruction. Today, Renaud commands the admiration of his brother who sees in him a resilient person despite the wounds of life: “He ended up bouncing back. It’s crazy. Renaud, he’s a phoenix. It’s like that. He’s my brother. He’s a monster. I told him that. The human monster of the song.”
When Renaud’s entourage needed to distance themselves
During the years when he was prey to alcoholism, Renaud saw those around him distance themselves. It must be said that it was particularly difficult for his brother but also his wife, Dominique, to watch him hurt himself like this. “I tried everything, with his first wife, Dominique, with my brother Thierry. With friends. My father. My mother. Everyone”explained the singer’s brother. David Séchan remembers all the sacrifices of Dominique and Lolita who hoped to see his condition improve: “C’était très, très compliqué (…) This is what Dominique did, for herself and for her daughter Lolita. They still loved each other. It’s dramatic.” Memories that Renaud now associates with the past.
