Posthumous Vinyl Album Fayo: Les Greatest Hits Honors Acadian Artist Mario LeBlanc
Nearly two years after the death of Acadian artist Mario LeBlanc, known as Fayo, family and friends gathered on September 29 to launch a posthumous vinyl compilation titled Fayo : Les Greatest Hits at the Centre culturel Aberdeen in Moncton. The eight-track record fulfills a dream of the late artist, who succumbed to cancer at age 47 on September 30, 2024.
Fulfilling a Lifelong Artistic Dream
The project was spearheaded by the artist’s sister, Nathalie LeBlanc, who embraced the undertaking as a deeply personal mission. Speaking on the radio program La grande virée, she described the production process as a form of therapy. According to Nathalie LeBlanc, working with the music, lyrics, and archived radio interviews allowed loved ones to reconnect with his straightforward, unfiltered voice. Mario LeBlanc never embellished his answers, she noted, choosing instead to state things exactly as they were.
The compilation brings together eight tracks, including Le mythe du masque à Ray, Matou, Chico Harico, and Mon été. The launch event took place in the Bernard-LeBlanc room—named in honor of the singer’s father—at Moncton’s Centre culturel Aberdeen.
Collaborators and Legacy Panel
Several artists contributed to the release and participated in the launch event, including Danny Boudreau, Stephen LeBlanc, and Rémi Arsenault. A panel discussion featuring Jac Gautreau, Yolande Bourgeois, and Roland Gauvin also explored Fayo's legacy.
Nathalie LeBlanc expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of community support during the creation of the vinyl. Every individual consulted or involved contributed out of a pure love for Mario, she stated during her interview, praising their generosity and guidance throughout the production.
Retail Availability and Distribution
Music enthusiasts looking to purchase the physical edition can find the vinyl at several independent record stores across the region, including Spin it Records and Franks’ Music in Moncton, Black Pug Records in Bathurst, and at the Centre Belle-Alliance in Summerside. For listeners preferring digital formats, the album becomes available on various streaming platforms starting Friday.
Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Information regarding legal disputes or financial data is based on available public records.