RENO SORRY SHE SANG FOR HELLS ANGELS

Juno Winner Admits Wedding Performance Was Inappropriate

Montreal (CP) -- Quebec singer Ginette Reno says she regrets having sung at
the wedding reception of a Hells Angels bike gang member.

The reception was held at the home of powerful Hells leader Maurice (Mom)
Boucher. The Hells Angels are locked in a struggle with rival bikers, the
Rock Machine, for control of Quebec's illegal drug trade.

"I hope and trust that this regrettable incident will not overshadow the
rest of my achievements," Reno said yesterday.

The 54-year-old singer said in a statement she apologized sincerely to all
members of the public who "have been hurt or shocked" by the event.

The story got top play on the front page of Montreal newspapers yesterday,
and radio shows were buzzing over the controversy.

"I realize that my presence at the ceremony may surprise many people," Reno
said. "I would even say that the media were right to be astonished."

Reno, who has recorded 40 albums and won several Juno awards, sang "My Way"
and two songs in French at the Aug. 5 reception for Rene (Baloune)
Ouellet-Charlebois, 35, a member of the Hells' elite Nomad squad, and his
bride. Earlier, Reno defended her actions to Le Journal de Montreal. "Jesus
kept company with bad people," she told the newspaper. "Are they killers and
criminals 24 hours a day?"

An officer of the Order of Canada, Reno performed "Ceux qui s'en vont (Those
Who Go Away)" in May at the funeral of hockey legend Maurice (Rocket)
Richard.

Reno said she "agreed spontaneously" when actor Claude Blanchard, who has a
part in the nighttime soap Virginie, invited her to sing three songs for a
friend.

"I even joked with Claude, asking him if I should wear a bullet-proof vest
under my dress," said Reno, who also said she wasn't paid for her
performance. Some fans were upset on learning that Reno sang at the
reception in Contrecoeur, 40 kilometres northeast of Montreal, for about 350
invited guests.

Mikes Restaurants Inc. issued a statement yesterday saying the firm still
has confidence in Reno, who acts as the restaurant chain's spokesperson. The
firm said it endorsed Reno's expression of regrets.