Nostalgic look-back at MusqiuePlus, 40 years later

The music video channel MusiquePlus launched 40 years ago. Anniversary celebrations include a tour and a new platform to discover.

The MusiquePlus music video channel is marking its 40th anniversary with a celebration tour and a new platform to discover.

When the show was on the airwaves, the studio on Sainte-Catherine Street West was the hub for new sounds.

“All the artists would come down to the studio to talk to their fans and give interviews and performances live — R.E.M. or The Backstreet Boys or Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots,” recalled former VJ Genevieve Borne.

Back then, artists made themselves available and accessible.

“When The Backstreet Boys came to MusiquePlus, we had to close the street, and the fans were going crazy. Some of them had the chance to be in the studio to ask questions, and the other ones were outside banging on the windows,” Borne said.

Four decades of music memories have now been wrapped into a new stage show, a nostalgic look back at MusiquePlus set to tour Quebec starting next month.

• READ MORE: Quebec music channel MusiquePlus relaunches on TikTok

“We have a live band playing the amazing tracks that were playing on the music list back then. We have two singers, Jonas and Rafaelle Roy,” she said. “I’m co-hosting with Paul Sarrazin, a legendary VJ on MusiquePlus, and we’re going to have a great time.”

Meanwhile, a new generation of MusiquePlus VJs is reigniting the channel through a new partnership with TikTok.

“A new music place with a new generation, but to keep the same DNA,” said Julie Normandin, vice-president of creation and development at Attraction, which is co-producing the online show.

The new VJs are already out discovering and sharing what’s new and cool.

“To explore culture, music, going to meet with artists, musical artists in Quebec and internationally, of course,” said Normandin, adding that, like the original MusiquePlus, there’s more on tap than just music.

“All the pop culture. Comedy is big in Montreal, as you know, so we’ll make sure to have room for everybody on our platform.”

New guests include Simple Plan and Marie-Mai, with more to come.