When you ask a Quebecer to name the province’s most beloved songwriters, Michel Rivard’s name usually comes up within seconds. That’s because he helped define the sound of a generation as a founding member of Beau Dommage, then built a solo career that produced hits like “Les dinosaures.” Today, as he prepares for 2026 tour dates and continues releasing new music, his influence shows no signs of fading.

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Full name: Michel Rivard · Born: 1951, Montreal, Quebec · Genre: Folk rock, chanson · Associated acts: Beau Dommage · Awards: Multiple Felix Awards · Status: Active (performing as of 2026)

Quick snapshot

1Who Is Michel Rivard?
2Famous Songs
3Connection to Beau Dommage
4Awards & Recognition
  • Multiple Felix Awards (Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame)
  • Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee (Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame)
  • Chevalier of the Ordre national du Québec (2005) (Orchestre Métropolitain biography)

Six key facts about Rivard’s career highlight his trajectory from band member to solo artist and his continued relevance.

Label Value
Born 1951, Montreal, Quebec (IMDb)
Genre Folk rock, chanson (CSHF)
Instruments Vocals, guitar (CSHF)
Years active 1970s–present (History of Canadian Broadcasting)
Associated acts Beau Dommage, solo (CSHF)
Labels Audiogram, independent (Universal Music Canada)

Who is Michel Rivard?

Early life and background

  • Born on September 27, 1951 in Montreal, Quebec (IMDb biography)
  • His father, Robert Rivard, was an actor (IMDb biography)

Growing up in a theatrical household likely shaped Rivard’s comfort on stage. His father’s acting career meant the arts were never foreign territory.

Career beginnings

  • In 1972, Rivard co-founded Beau Dommage with Pierre Huet, Pierre Bertrand, and Robert Léger (Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame)
  • From 1974 to 1978 he was one of the founding members, writers, composers, singers, and guitarists in the band (History of Canadian Broadcasting)

The pattern: Rivard didn’t just join a band—he helped build a Quebec institution almost from scratch.

Why this matters

Rivard’s dual identity as both a band architect and a solo artist gives him a rare standing: he’s a living bridge between Quebec’s 1970s chanson revival and today’s folk‑rock scene.

What are Michel Rivard’s most famous songs?

“Les dinosaures”

The track “Les dinosaures” has become a staple at his concerts and is often the song casual fans know first.

“Libérez le trésor”

  • A notable video clip available through Rivard’s official channels (Michel Rivard official website)

“Le goût de l’eau” album (1992)

  • Contains popular tracks that cemented his solo reputation (Universal Music Canada)

Beau Dommage classics

  • Rivard’s work with the band includes songs that remain anthems in Quebec (Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame)

The implication: Rivard’s catalogue spans three decades and two distinct bodies of work—solo and band—each with its own loyal audience.

Bottom line: Michel Rivard’s most famous songs, both solo and with Beau Dommage, have become the soundtrack of French‑Canadian life. New listeners should start with “Les dinosaures” and then explore “Le goût de l’eau.” Long‑time fans already know the deeper cuts.

What is Michel Rivard’s connection to Beau Dommage?

Role in the band

  • Rivard was a founding member, writer, composer, singer, and guitarist from 1974 to 1978 (History of Canadian Broadcasting)
  • The band eventually included Marie Michèle Desrosiers (Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame)

Key contributions

  • Rivard’s songwriting and vocals were integral to what made Beau Dommage’s sound so distinctive (Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame)
  • The band formed in 1972 and achieved widespread popularity across Quebec and beyond (Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame)

The trade-off: Beau Dommage defined Rivard’s early career, but his solo work proved he was far more than a former band member—he was a durable creative force.

Has Michel Rivard won any awards?

Felix Awards

  • Multiple Felix Awards (the Quebec equivalent of the Junos) (Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame)

Other honors

  • Inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame)
  • Named Chevalier of the Ordre national du Québec in 2005 (Orchestre Métropolitain biography)

Why this matters: These honors aren’t just trophies—they represent formal recognition from Quebec’s cultural establishment, placing Rivard among the province’s most respected artists.

Is Michel Rivard still performing?

Recent concerts

  • Rivard remains active, with a new album “Après, on va où?” released and promoted on his official site (Michel Rivard official website)
  • His official website lists upcoming spectacles for 2026 (Michel Rivard official website)

Upcoming shows (2026)

  • Live Nation lists Michel Rivard with 2026 tour dates (Live Nation)
  • Apple Music Concerts lists a performance at Carrefour de la mer in Caraquet, New Brunswick on September 18, 2026 at 20:00 (Apple Music Concerts / Bandsintown)
  • Ticketing aggregators like Event Tickets Center, SeatGeek, and Startickets all surface 2026 concert listings (Event Tickets Center)
  • Songkick also lists tour dates for 2026–27 (Songkick)

The catch: Demand for Rivard’s live shows remains strong, but some tickets are already moving through resale platforms—early booking is advised for fans attending the Caraquet date or other stops.

What to watch

For Quebec music fans in 2026, the key question is not whether Rivard will tour—he clearly is—but which venues will sell out first. The Caraquet seaside show on September 18 is turning into a bucket‑list event.

Timeline signal

  • 1951 – Born in Montreal (IMDb)
  • 1972 – Co-founds Beau Dommage (CSHF)
  • 1974–1978 – Active as founding member, writer, singer, guitarist (History of Canadian Broadcasting)
  • 1977 – Releases solo album “Méfiez-vous du grand amour” ahead of Beau Dommage’s “Passagers” (Universal Music Canada)
  • 1992 – Releases album “Le goût de l’eau” (Universal Music Canada)
  • 2002 – Releases live album “Bonsoir… Mon nom est toujours Michel Rivard” (Michel Rivard official website)
  • 2005 – Named Chevalier of the Ordre national du Québec (Orchestre Métropolitain)
  • 2023 – New album “Après, on va où?” released (Michel Rivard official website)
  • 2026 – Scheduled shows listed on official website and ticketing platforms (Live Nation)

Confirmed facts

  • Born in 1951 in Montreal (IMDb)
  • Father was actor Robert Rivard (IMDb)
  • Member of Beau Dommage (CSHF)
  • Won multiple Felix Awards (CSHF)
  • Inducted into Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF)
  • Still performing as of 2026 (Live Nation)

What’s unclear

  • Exact net worth – not publicly documented
  • Specific details about his acting roles beyond IMDb listings (IMDb)
  • Whether he has children – no reliable source confirms

“Michel Rivard’s legacy is cemented in Quebec’s musical heritage as both a founding member of Beau Dommage and a celebrated solo artist.”

Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (songwriting institution)

“His first two solo albums are now available digitally for the first time, giving new audiences access to his early work.”

Universal Music Canada (record label distribution arm)

For music fans in Quebec and beyond, the decision is straightforward: if you haven’t explored Michel Rivard’s catalogue, start with “Les dinosaures” and “Le goût de l’eau.” If you’re a longtime follower, mark September 18, 2026 on your calendar—the Caraquet show might be the highlight of the summer.

Additional sources

youtube.com, seatgeek.com

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Frequently asked questions

What is Michel Rivard’s most famous song?

“Les dinosaures” is widely considered his signature solo song (Michel Rivard official website).

How long was Michel Rivard in Beau Dommage?

He was a founding member from 1974 to 1978 (History of Canadian Broadcasting).

Did Michel Rivard win a Juno Award?

He has won multiple Felix Awards, the Quebec equivalent of the Junos, but no record of a Juno win appears in available sources (CSHF).

What genre is Michel Rivard’s music?

Folk rock and chanson (CSHF).

Where can I buy Michel Rivard tickets?

Tickets are available through Live Nation, Event Tickets Center, and the artist’s official website (Live Nation).

Is Michel Rivard related to Robert Rivard?

Robert Rivard is his father, an actor (IMDb).

Does Michel Rivard still make music?

Yes, his most recent album “Après, on va où?” was released in 2023, and he continues to perform (Michel Rivard official website).

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