Gilles Girard, Lead Singer of Les Classels, Dies at 84

Conceptual tribute illustration of a vintage microphone and white jacket on an empty stage

Updated: 19 October 2026, 1:50 p.m. EDT

Gilles Girard, the singer whose voice helped define Quebec rock ’n’ roll group Les Classels, died on Sunday afternoon, 18 October, at the age of 84, his family announced that day. His son Sam Girard said he was surrounded by family and loved ones.

The family statement, posted publicly on Facebook and reproduced in Agence QMI’s Sunday report, thanked people for their support and condolences. It asked for privacy while the family grieves and said details of tributes would follow.

Girard was the lead voice of Les Classels, a five-member group active from 1964 to 1971 whose rock ’n’ roll and yéyé recordings became part of Quebec’s popular-music landscape. Their matching white outfits and white hair gave the band a distinctive stage identity.

Among the group’s best-known songs were Avant de me dire adieu, Ton amour a changé ma vie and Le sentier de neige. QMI reported that Girard continued to make stage and television appearances in later years, including with La Tournée des idoles.

The announcement reviewed did not provide a cause of death or a confirmed schedule for commemorations. The family said those arrangements would be announced later.

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