French rocker Hallyday seeks change of nationality

French rock legend Johnny Hallyday is pleading with Belgian authorities "from the heart" to let him adopt their nationality, despite insisting he'll remain living in France.

The Gallic singer, 62, filed a naturalisation application at the Belgian Embassy in Paris last year, citing his Belgian father Leon Smet as a link to the country.

Hallyday - real name Jean-Philippe Smet - was denied dual nationality on birth because his father was married to another woman at the time, so could not pass on his nationality.

The Be Bop A Lula hitmaker's application has been endorsed by Belgium's ambassador to Paris, Pierre-Dominique Schmidt, who says: "Johnny's decision, to put it simply, comes from the heart.

"He adores France, which has brought him a lot. But he has our spirit."

Hallyday's application will be dealt with by a committee of the Belgian parliament, in a procedure that usually lasts between 15 and 18 months.