Les Cowboys Fringants Release Surprise New Album 'Pub Royal' Featuring Late Singer Karl Tremblay
The beloved Quebec band's album was partially recorded before Tremblay's death and features his voice on six songs.
Les Cowboys Fringants 'Pub Royal' Album Cover
Les Cowboys Fringants are back with their 12th album, their first since the death of singer Karl Tremblay.
It's been a long winter since the passing of Karl Tremblay on November 15, 2023. However, during his lifetime, Karl Tremblay had managed to record a few songs for Pub Royal, this posthumous album that reflects the unique spirit of the Cowboys, released late last night.
"Karl Tremblay had time to sing six songs: 'Bienvenue chez nous,' 'Loulou vs Loulou' in a duet with Marie-Annick Lépine, 'La fin du show,' 'Questions sans réponses,' '(re)Bienvenue chez vous,' and 'Y'est 3 heures on ferme!'" reads a Facebook post from Les Cowboys Fringants.
The group had completed the album recording in February. "This record, so moving, has been the most difficult to finish in our entire career," wrote Marie-Annick Lépine, member of Les Cowboys Fringants and widow of Karl Tremblay, on social media at the time.
"La fin du show" is the first single from Pub Royal and is accompanied by a touching music video that serves as a final tribute to Karl Tremblay. It is also the centerpiece of Les Cowboys Fringants' musical comedy stage production Pub Royal, directed by Sébastien Soldevila and currently on tour.
Pub Royal is available on streaming platforms and will be released on CD starting May 10, followed by a vinyl release during the summer of 2024.
Furthermore, Marie-Annick Lépine is expected to perform on the Bell stage at the Francos de Montréal for the opening concert (outdoor and free) of the festival's 34th edition on June 14th. This year, the festival is dedicated to its founder Guy Latraverse and to Karl Tremblay.
Shauna de Cartier
Helen Britton
Matt Maw