France Pays Tribute To Late Johnny Hallyday With ‘Merci Johnny’ Written On Eiffel Tower

France paid tribute to its late great rock star Johnny Hallyday over the weekend by putting the words “Merci Johnny” on the side of the Eiffel Tower.

EIFFEL TOWER TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY HALLYDAY

Hallyday was an icon in France, and is recognized for bringing Rock & Roll to the country. He was considered the French Elvis Presley for his rocking tunes and his flexible hips. Hallyday passed away on Dec. 6 of complications with lung cancer, aged 74.

French president Emmanuel Macron announced the death on his Twitter last week. “We all have something of Johnny Hallyday in us,” he wrote. “The audience of fans and faithful he had acquired is in tears. We will not forget his name, his mouth, or his voice. Here he is in the Pantheon of the Song where he joins the legends of rock and blues that he loved so much.”

Despite his sordid past of drug addiction and a rape accusation, Hallyday was loved and cherished by many, with most of the country referring to him adoringly as “Our Johnny.” Hallyday enjoyed a long career spanning nearly 60 years. He died peacefully with his wife Laeticia Boudou.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris is used to pay tribute and bring attention to things, much like how the Empire State Building lights up in various colors for certain occasions. Yesterday, the tower was lit up in blue and green to signify the colors of the Earth. Macron attended an important climate change event – one that Donald Trump was not invited to attend.

One team cheering for #OnePlanet in front of a blue and green Eiffel Tower (okay we don’t see it but it’s there)! pic.twitter.com/qW3TD7OpZm

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 12, 2017