It was a state funeral in all but name. Paris came to a standstill as millions bade an emotional adieu to France’s biggest rock star, Johnny Hallyday, on Saturday.

Huge crowds thronged the streets of the French capital, chanting “Johnny, Johnny”, as a parade of 700 bikers lent a rock ’n’ roll flourish to the solemn cortege along the Champs Elysées. President Macron delivered an eulogy that moved many to tears.

Johnny Hallyday, the “French Elvis”, who died of lung cancer aged 74, was almost unknown in the English-speaking world, but in France he enjoyed a status comparable to royalty.

The public outpouring of grief was reminiscent of Princess Diana’s funeral. It was not just a farewell but a celebration of Hallyday’s life, as if he was performing one final concert before his burial in the Caribbean island of Saint Bathélemy on Monday.

But instead of the star singing, it was his legions of fans.