In Memory of Francis Delvaux (1948–2025)

Francis Delvaux left us suddenly, following an accident. A familiar yet discreet figure of the Belgian radio landscape, he was one of those people who preferred to shine the spotlight on artists rather than on himself. Blues Actu pays tribute to him.

Born in 1948 in Grandmetz, Francis Delvaux joined RTBF in 1971. In 1973, he co-created Impédance, the station’s very first rock program. As a host, producer, programmer, and later head of La Première, he multiplied cultural initiatives, mixing music and comic books, a field in which he also distinguished himself as a scriptwriter.

But it is above all on Classic 21 that many remember him: his Blues Café, broadcast until 2015, allowed thousands of listeners to discover blues music, in a spirit of sharing and authenticity.

Francis will be remembered as a passionate man, a messenger, a humble and cultivated soul, who deeply touched both musicians and listeners.

We publish here a tribute by Marc Loison, who movingly recounts the journey and personality of a man whose passion and humanity profoundly marked the world of music and beyond.

Marc Loison’s tribute to Francis Delvaux

“A man has left us. Suddenly. Following a stupid accident – but are there any intelligent ones? … This fatality that overwhelms us has struck one of our own.

Essentially a man of sharing, Francis Delvaux was a brilliant radio man. He worked to highlight the talent of others, thanks to his own gifts as an interviewer, his profound kindness, and his love for music — for all kinds of music. He put these qualities at the service of his profession, which he carried out wholeheartedly: without counting the hours or the effort, driven purely by passion.

Francis was a friend of musicians. He devoted a large part of his radio time to allowing them to express their art through live concerts, in an atmosphere close to that of small venues where the warmth of music touches the soul directly. Countless talents from all horizons and levels of fame – local, national, or international – answered Francis’s questions and shared privileged moments he prepared for them in the warmth of RTBF and Classic 21 studios.

Francis Delvaux joined RTBF in 1971. Author of the first program dedicated to rock as early as 1973, when anything seemed possible, he was a host, producer, and later head of La Première. He was also a comic book scriptwriter – notably collaborating with artist Philippe Francq – and president since the founding of the Durbuy Comic Festival. He was also often seen on stage, for example, presenting with talent and warmth the Namur World Folklore Festival. On the newly created Classic 21, his legendary Blues Café enabled thousands of listeners to hear blues on a major station until 2015, sharing live sessions, records, and interviews with an enthusiastic audience. He sometimes struggled with the idea of being “just” retired, continuing despite some health issues to cultivate his passion for music – blues, rock, but also classical – through listening, passionate discussions, and countless concerts.

The humility that characterized Francis was matched only by his great kindness. His passion and empathy kept him far from any temptation of vanity or pretension. Despite the countless “stars” and talents he met, Francis always remained a simple, peaceful, and good man. His intelligence and culture never failed him when recalling the incredible moments of his career, or when sharing his reflections on the world’s problems.

From the moment I met him, at the beginning of this century, I always had deep respect for Francis. I would have liked him to be like a spiritual big brother to me – enriching, stimulating, funny, fascinating to listen to. Knowing Francis was a privilege and a joy every time I could spend time with him and his wife Malika, also my friend. But also with each virtual exchange, an obligatory substitute when distance prevented us from meeting as often as we wished. We recorded an episode of My Rock Years together in 2023, about Dylan and other musical figures of his formative years; his enthusiastic feedback after listening to the edit carried the promise of common projects that, unfortunately, will never come to fruition…

“Happiness, for me, is tomorrow.”

Malika, who was more than Francis’s wife – she was his strength, his alter ego, his partner, colleague, accomplice, and unwavering love – wrote: “Do not turn your ‘laters’ into ‘too lates’. (…) Enjoy every hour of your life.” How right she is! The sudden disappearance of our friend Francis reminds us all, mere mortals, that we are only passing through this planet. As young yet already wise American bluesman D.K. Harrell says: “It’s about teaching people to enjoy every microsecond they have because it can easily be taken away from them. There’s enough hate in this world, so why add to it? There really is time we don’t have. (…) We all have a purpose. Find it. Use it for good. When you discover the talent you have, whether it’s interviewing someone, being a musician, a banker, a chef… do it with good intentions, because your time on this earth can end just like that, in an instant.”

Francis used to say: “Happiness, for me, is tomorrow.”

I wish Malika, as well as their children and grandchildren, all the strength needed to overcome this terrible ordeal. We will forever keep in mind the memory of a man deeply and sincerely friendly, convivial, upright, hardworking, madly in love with his wife, humble, erudite, caring, genuinely kind, naturally hospitable, benevolent, and warm-hearted. We will meet again up there, Francis, and you’ll welcome me with a fresh Orval. Marc Loison