Rocking Retirement: The Full Metal ArTh’Rose Shine at Villa Beausoleil
They are past the age of picking up the guitar or spending the weekend at a festival, yet they set their retirement home on fire. As part of a competition, these seniors made a video on an AC/DC hit which was a great success. We tell you.
Inspiring Stories of Solidarity
Every Sunday, we discover beautiful stories of solidarity and altruism, filled with emotion and generosity. One such story comes from the Villa Beausoleil retirement home in Deauville, where a group of spirited seniors transformed their home into a rock concert venue.
The Full Metal ArTh’Rose: A Rocking Performance
Known as the FMA, the Full Metal ArTh’Rose, three residents, along with the establishment’s chef, took to the stage for an unforgettable performance last summer. The cinema room was transformed into a concert hall as they donned wigs, leather jackets, and instruments, delivering a hard rock playback of classic AC/DC songs.
A Hellfest Experience
The vibrant atmosphere mirrored that of a real music festival. Residents dressed as enthusiastic groupies, complete with makeup, cheered, clapped, and threw symbolic items as the performers took the stage. This electrifying event was part of a competition organized by MDRS (Maison de Retraite Sélection), aimed at showcasing creativity and initiative in retirement homes across France.
Celebrating Creativity and Community
Marion Fauconnier, the host of the well-being center, shared, “We participate every year, and for 2025, we wanted to bring back the rock and groupie years. Music unites a lot.” Their efforts paid off when they won the gold trophy in the “hilarious” category on January 13, celebrating creativity through humor and engaging performances.
A Renewed Sense of Youth
“It brought a renewal of youth and allowed us to share memories among them. It reenergized them,” Fauconnier noted. This isn’t the first time Villa Beausoleil has won an MDRS award; they have a history of success across various categories.
Memories of a Lifetime
Freddy Tempere, one of the performers, recalled the joy of the experience: “I was the guitarist in red, a little crazy, who let himself fall. It was a funny and pleasant moment. People gave their all.” The preparation involved finding costumes and practicing the moves that would bring the performance to life.
Freddy reflected, “We had to move our arms and jump to make things lively.” For him and his fellow residents, the event was one of the highlights of the year.
Celebrating Victory Together
On January 20, everyone at Villa Beausoleil celebrated their success with champagne, bringing out the costumes once more for a festive gathering.
Residents celebrated their victory on Tuesday January 20. • © Villa Beausoleil Deauville senior services residence
Looking Ahead
Excited for the future, Freddy and his fellow performers are already looking forward to participating in the 2026 MDRS edition, eager to rock once again as part of a network that comprises 11,000 retirement homes.
Conclusion
The story of the Full Metal ArTh’Rose is a testament to the vibrant spirit of seniors who, despite their age, continue to embrace life with enthusiasm and creativity. Their performance not only brought joy and laughter but also fostered a sense of community and reminiscence, proving that music truly knows no age.
FAQs
What is the MDRS competition?
The MDRS (Maison de Retraite Sélection) competition aims to highlight creativity and initiative within retirement homes across France, encouraging residents to engage in various artistic performances.
How did the performance impact the residents?
The performance revitalized the residents, allowing them to relive their youth and create cherished memories together while fostering a sense of community.
Will the Full Metal ArTh’Rose perform again?
Yes, they are already looking forward to participating again in the 2026 MDRS edition, excited to bring more rock and joy to their retirement home.
