Interview <span class="style53">Manu Aeschbach 2026-04

Interview Manu Aeschbach 2026-04

We all know Natchez, the classic rock band from eastern France that has been touring our country for over 30 years. We wanted to give the floor to Manu Aeschbach, the band's guitarist.

RTJ: First of all, I'd like to talk about your musical journey, even though some of our readers already know you. Can you tell us how you started playing music?

MA: My older brother, Thierry, started playing music in the early 80s, and their rehearsal space was my parents' attic. Having all those musical instruments at my fingertips was a real revelation for me! I started playing the drums, and then the guitar came to me.

RTJ: You're two brothers in Natchez. How did that come about? Have you always played together?

MA: Natchez was formed in April 1987, and we've been inseparable ever since. Apart from a few side projects, I've always played with my brother. He started earlier, but we've been on this journey together for almost 40 years!…

RTJ: Natchez remains one of the few southern bands around here to have recorded. Can you tell us how it all began?

MA: We've always been committed to writing our own songs, and of course, the best thing is to immortalize them in the studio. Back then, we had a small recording studio near our home, and we recorded our first two albums there! To date, we've recorded eight studio albums.

RTJ: The first time I saw you in concert was at the Café des Arts in Saint-Maixent, with Calibre 12. Do you remember that evening?

MA: Yes! Like it was yesterday… We set up the two drum kits so we could jam together. It was perhaps the first time we met our friends from Calibre 12!

RTJ: You had the opportunity to play with Skinny Molly. What do you remember about that? Was it loud?

MA: I have wonderful memories of it; it was really intense. I didn't have time to learn their setlist, but we clicked from the very first notes, and everything went perfectly. Mike Estes is really great, and knowing that he'd played with a large number of guitarists who are in my personal pantheon was a pretty unique feeling for me!

RTJ: There are two official Natchez DVDs. Do you plan to make another video recording?

MA: I can't say we'll never make another DVD, but it's not on the agenda right now…

RTJ: What are Natchez's plans for 2026? Are you still composing?

MA: Yes, we're still composing. Since our last album, "Revival," two new songs have been released on our YouTube channel and on all streaming platforms. We try to keep up with the times, but it's not always easy! We need to establish an online presence, but it's not really our thing… We're primarily a live band!
Otherwise, we'd like to do something special for our 40th anniversary next year, so stay tuned…

RTJ: You recently had a killer show at Music & Bike with the Redneck Roots Band. Can you tell us more about that and the venue?

MA: Music & Bike is a must-see venue around here. For many years now, we've closed out the year with a concert with our friends in Rednecks. We saw them start out, and what they're doing now is incredible! They've become the spearhead of Southern rock in eastern France! And maybe even beyond… Getting back to Music & Bike, it's a live music venue located in the heart of the Meuse countryside, created and run by passionate people. I love them!

RTJ: I'd love to see you in concert again. Do you think there will be a chance in 2026?

MA: Maybe things will work out... We play wherever we're wanted!

RTJ: On July 10th, you were at the Zénith in Paris to see Lynyrd Skynyrd. What did you think of their performance?

MA: Yes, I couldn't miss it... It was absolutely amazing. The emotion in the Zénith that night was palpable. Despite the fact that there are no longer any original members, they have my full support!

RTJ: Do you have any other musical activities besides the band?

MA: Yes, we started a band called "The Guyzs." Actually, there are three of us from Natchez backing up a singer, Matt, to be precise. We play a few concerts a year, in a style that's more bluesy than Natchez.

RTJ: Hoping to see you at a festival in 2026, can you tell us the five albums you would take to a desert island?

MA: I would choose from the discographies of Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, 38 Special, The Black Crowes, and Huey Lewis… “Street Survivor,” “Idlewild South,” “Rockin’ into the Night,” “3 Snakes and One Charm,” and “Picture This.” But there are so many others I would love to take! I think I would prefer to sink to the bottom of the ocean with my entire discography.

RTJ: Thank you for this interview.

MA: It was a pleasure.