Les Wampas

Les Wampas (vɑ̃pas) are a French alternative rock and punk rock band, originally from the Paris region, formed in 1983. The band essentially revolves around singer Didier Wampas, whose real name is Didier Chappedelaine, who was also an electrician at the RATP before retiring in early 2012. The line-up, which has evolved significantly since their beginnings, includes Jean-Michel Lejoux (bass, ex-Satellites), Effello (guitar), Nicolas Schauer (drums), and Tony Truant (guitar, ex-Dogs).

Les Wampas are known for Didier Wampas's deceptively juvenile lyrics, which he sings with a voice sometimes on the verge of being out of tune. Long unknown to the general public and ignored by mass media, Les Wampas saw their notoriety grow in 2003 after signing with a Universal subsidiary. The single Manu Chao was then broadcast on national music radio stations like RTL2 and Europe 2, and Didier Wampas increased his television and radio appearances. The band was nominated at the Victoires de la musique 2004 in the category «Group/Artist Revelation Stage of the Year».