Tri Yann
Tri Yann is a renowned French band originating from Nantes, France, known for their unique blend of medieval folk rock music that draws heavily on traditional Breton folk ballads. The band was founded in 1969 by Jean Chocun, Jean-Paul Corbineau, and Jean-Louis Jossic, who all remained integral members throughout the band's existence. The name "Tri Yann an Naoned," which translates to "Three Johns of Nantes," reflects the founders' names, as Jean and Yann are the French and Breton versions of the name John.
Tri Yann gained prominence as one of the longest-standing Breton music groups, emerging from the folk rock revival of the 1970s. They are celebrated as the best-known "Celtic" band in France and are famous for their theatrical live performances and outlandish costumes. Their music often includes traditional instruments like the mandoloncello, dulcimer, and bombarde, alongside rock elements such as electric bass and drums.
Some of their most popular songs include "La Jument de Michao" and "Dans les prisons de Nantes." They also performed roles in Alan Simon's rock operas, including Uther Pendragon in "Excalibur" and Louis XII of France in "Anne de Bretagne."
Tri Yann's discography is extensive, with notable albums such as "Tri Yann an Naoned" (1972), "Dix ans, Dix filles" (1973), and "La Découverte ou l'Ignorance" (1976). The group celebrated their 50th anniversary with final concerts in September 2021, which were delayed due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Sadly, co-founder Jean-Paul Corbineau passed away in December 2022 after a long battle with leukemia.