Happy B'Day dear José!!!

Today, LUV's lead singer José Hoebee is celebrating her 58th birthday. I wish her all the best!!!! I hope to see her in October at her fan club meeting.

De Diva's to release an album

Patty Brard, Patricia Paay & Tatjana Simic will put out an album later that year. The opus will simply be entitled "Diva's". First, they have to release a single. The ladies are also planning a big concert inspired by De Toppers (see news posted on February 20th) and will appear on the second season of their RTL 4 show "Diva's draaien door". They will also do gigs through Holland. 2012: a busy year for the trio.

Source: AD, NL Tracks, NU.nl, Shownieuws, ShowbizNewz.nl, RTL Nieuws....

Pictures of LUV's last show in Belgium

LUV' performed at the Molecule Vedettenparade in Waregem, Belgium on March 17th. It was their very last show in Flanders. A couple of performances are scheduled until August and then they will disband. Martin Vink sent me beautiful pictures of the ladies. I would like to thank him.

Martin Vink and Luv' backstage

Luv' biography - Chapter I

DEBUT 1976 - 1977

from left to right : Patty Brard, Marga Scheide & José Hoebee

In 1976, Dutch record producers, Hans van Hemert and Piet Souer, assisted by manager Han Meijer, twenty years before the Spice Girls phenomenon, decided to form a girl group, inspired by the German disco trio Silver Convention. They recruited three young and lovely women :

• José van de Wijdeven (a.k.a José Andreoli), born on March 29^th, 1954 in Best (a village near Eindhoven, Netherlands). She started her career in the early 1970's as a member of a folk & country band, Young Tradition, with her two sisters. This formation took part in talent shows, later changed its name to Elongi and recorded a single produced by Piet Souer.
• Marga Scheide, born on February 15^th, 1954 in Amsterdam. She was a model and was previously involved in many beauty pageants (including Miss Holland 1972, 1973 and 1977, Miss Young International 1972 and Miss Europe 1975). She graced the covers of various artist hit compilations and was chosen to promote the « bintje » (a potatoe variety) in an international advertising campaign.
• Patty Brard, born on March 25^th 1955 in Sorong, West Papua/Indonesia. She briefly worked as a secretary in the office of Hans van Hemert who offered her a career in the show business.

The group was named LUV' and was ready to conquer the charts.

Luv' performing « My Man » on Avro's TopPop

In May 1977, Philips/Phonogram Records released Luv's first single « My Man » written by Van Hemert and Souer as « Janschen & Janschens ». The lyrics of this ABBA-esque pop song dealt with the death of a railroad man and shocked the Netherlands because around the time of its release a taking of hostages occurred in a train in De Punt. Despite this controversy and a radio boycott, the record peaked at #12 in Holland and became a Top 10 hit in Belgium. What a promising debut!

Luv' singing "My man" on German TV show "Musikladen" (original broadcast date: August 13th, 1977)

The follow-up single « Dream, Dream » came out in November 1977. Once again, the music arrangements were inspired by the ABBA sound. Unfortunately, it flopped. Luv' was considered as a « one-hit wonder » and it seemed that they would not survive. However, 1978 would be a great year for the ladies.

Luv' performing "Dream, Dream" on "Dik Voormekaar Show"

To be continued......
Click here to read the next chapter.

Charts (peak positions)

Title	Dutch Top 40 (Netherlands)	Nationale Hit Parade (Netherlands)	BRT Top 30 (Belgium)	Europarade (Europe)
My Man	#12	#12	#10	#19

Records releases

7" Vinyl singles :

1. My Man
   Original release by Philips/Phonogram Records in May 1977
   

• A side : "My Man" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:05
• B side : "Don't Let Me Down" (Janschen & Janschens) – 2:35

Original Dutch cover of « My Man »

German cover of « My Man »

2. Dream, Dream
   

Released by Philips/Phonogram Records in November 1977

• A side. "Dream, Dream" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:30
• B side. "Hang On" (Janschen & Janschens) – 3:07

Original Dutch cover of « Dream, Dream »

Press clippings

Source: Wikipedia, Official Luv' Fan Club, Bibliography: "Top 40 Hitdossier 1956-2005 (9e editie), book by Johan van Slooten, Gottmer Bech Publishing, 2006

Luv' in Privé

The latest issue of Privé magazine features an article about Luv's career. The group will disband in August after their last performance at the Dutch Valley Festival.

Source: Luv' Fan Club (Forum), Privé

Patty congratulates the winner of The Voice Kids

On March 23, Patty Brard posted a nice tweet to congratulate Fabiënne Bergmans, the winner of The Voice Kids. She wrote: "Fabiënne congratulations! You did it well girl!"

Source: Patty Brard (Twitter), Shownieuws

Happy Birthday dear Patty!!!!

Patty Brard turns 57 today. So.....Happy Birthday my dear!!!!! Music, television, showbiz events, press, social network.....the lady is still in the spotlight!!!!

Funny radio interview with Patty

Patty Brard in the 1990's

MAX/Radio 1 aired this morning at 4.00 am a repeat of a funny radio interview with Patty Brard. The diva answered the questions of Kaat and Anna Schalkens a.k.a De Nachtzusters (Sisters of the night). She discussed many subjects (including her childhood in West Papua, her family...). The interview was originally broadcast on VPRO in 1996. At this time Patty hosted "Brard Gaat Extreem" on RTL 5. 

Click here to listen to the radio program (jump to 17:45 for Pat's part)

Source: Radio 1

José & Patty in LUV' with their fans!!!

José Hoebee and Patty Brard have often paid tribute to their fans. Unlike Marga Scheide, they authorized the creation of their official fan clubs.

In 2003, Peter Boonstra and Jos Theuns started the José Hoebee's official fansite hosted by clubs.nl. Click here to see it. José's club has organised annual fan meetings for 9 years. I had the opportunity to meet the singer in 2008 and 2009. The next meet'n greet afternoon is scheduled for October 21st in Eindhoven, NL (see news posted on March 1st 2012). 

Esmée Van der Werf is a enthusiastic young lady who recently launched Patty Brard Official Facebook fan page. Click here to see it. Sometimes I'm in touch with Esmée via Twitter. I would like to thank her as well as Peter and Jos for their input!!!

"De Diva's" Photo Shoot for Glossy

Patty Brard, Patricia Paay and Tatjana Simic, better known as "De Diva's" in Holland, once again hit the spotlight, this time for a glamourous photo shoot for Glossy magazine.

Click here to watch a Shownieuws video about the photo session that took place on March 20th

Source: Shownieuws (SBS 6), Patty Brard Facebook Page

Patty & The Dog Whisperer

Patty and Tatjana carefully listening to Cesar's instructions

Two days ago, Patty Brard appeared on RTL 4 morning show "Koffietijd" and brought her little dogs, Bibi & Lulu. The diva took advice from Cesar Millan, famous for his Nat Geo Wild TV program "Dog Whisperer". To watch an excerpt from the show, click here

Moreover, on the same day, Patty and her friend Tatjana Simic met Cesar for an interview on Shownieuws (SBS 6).  Click here to watch it.

Source: RTL 4, SBS 6, Patty Brard Facebook Page

Patty on Koffietijd

Patty Brard will appear on RTL 4 morning show "Koffietijd" tomorrow at 10.00 am. She will bring her two dogs, Bibi and Lulu, to take advice from Cesar Millan, a world famous dog trainer.

Information: http://www.koffietijd.nl/dieren/2012/03/the-dog-whisperer/

Source: RTL 4, Patty Brard Facebook page

Patty Brard and Tatjana Simic @ Raak's fashion show

Patty Brard and Tatjana Simic attended the fashion show of Jos van Raak at the Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam on March 19th. To watch a video with their comments on Raak's collection, click here (jump to 1:02 to see Pat and Tat). 

During this event, a journalist of ShowbizNewz.nl wanted to know Patty's impressions of LUV's break-up. The diva said: "Finished is finished! Now I'm very happy with Tatjana and Patricia!" When asked if there was a chance to re-form LUV', the larger-than-life entertainer answered: "Never again!" Click here to watch the short interview with Miss Brard

Source: Patty Brard Facebook Page, AD.nl, NU.nl, FashionNewz.nl, ShowbizNewz.nl...

Patty supports José

Press clipping (De Telegraaf)

Holland's most successful newspaper, De Telegraaf, published yesterday an article in which Patty Brard considered José Hoebee as a victim of Marga Scheide's decision to stop the group (see article posted on March 13th 2012). Last week the blonde singer announced the inevitable news because Patty's work with De Diva's (Tatjana Simic and Patricia Paay) overshadowed LUV'.

La Brard told De Telegraaf: "I didn't want to give up. There was no problem. Marga disagreed". However, she admitted that recently she devoted more time to De Diva's. In addition to RTL 4 reality show (Diva's draaien door) whose second season will air apparently later that year, she will sign a record deal with her new colleagues. 

According to Patty, her act with Patricia and Tatjana is completely different from LUV' and the two groups could have coexisted.

She added: "I really support José who is going through a tough time at the moment because of the illness of her husband. She didn't ask for it. We could have continued our shows".

Source: De Telegraaf, RTL Nieuws, Shownieuws, ShowbizNewz.nl, HoofddorpseCourant.nl

Luv' in 1978 when they dominated the pop charts in Benelux and German speaking countries

TBC: Luv' to perform at Volksfeesten Albergen

The recent announcement of LUV's break-up isn't a real surprise (see news posted on March 13th 2012). In the past years, the ladies have not performed regularly and Patty Brard focuses more on her solo career and the projects with "De Diva's".  However, a couple of performances are scheduled (see the "Luv' Live Performance" tags). 

Apparently, the group will be performing on May 27th for the "Volksfeesten" in Albergen, NL between 9.00 pm and 2.00 am during the Pentecost weekend. 

Information: click here

Source: Luv' Official Fan Club (Forum) 

Patty @ Gerard Joling's jubilee party!

Pat & Geer

In 2010, Dutch pop star Gerard Joling wanted to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his amazing career with his fans. Unfortunately, he cancelled this project due to a burn-out. But now the singer, who's in great shape, is planning a big show!

On March 15th, Gerard and his long-time friend Patty Brard, dressed up as mermaids, held a hilarious press conference to present "Het Leukste Weekend" (the funniest weekend), an event which will consist of entertainment, music, sport and leisure at Center Parcs De Eemhof, NL from September 28th to October 1st. La Brard will host, among other things, a "Karaoke Party On Stage" with Joling and Bonnie St. Claire.

"Geer" as well as other popular celebrities (incl. Gordon & L.A The Voices and René Froger) will be performing.

So get ready for the coolest pool party of the year!!!

Information: http://www.hetleuksteweekend.nl

To watch a video posted on Zie.nl, click here

To watch a RTL Boulevard report, click here

Source: RTL Boulevard, Shownieuws, RTL Nieuws, Nu.nl, Bruno.nl, DePers.nl....

LUV's definitive break-up

Luv' in 2006

Marga Scheide confirmed yesterday the definitive break-up of LUV' on NOS/Radio 1. Because of Patty Brard's recent activities with "De Diva's" (Patricia Paay and Tatjana Simic), there is no room for LUV'. The ladies took this decision without anger. They will give their final live performance on August 11th in Spaarnwoude (see news posted on February 9th 2012).

When asked what was the peak of their career, Marga answered: "when we were #1 on the European charts and popular outside of Europe (including Mexico) and when we performed at the Amsterdam ArenA with De Toppers in 2006."

In 1976, LUV' was the brainchild of record producer Hans van Hemert in association with manager Han Meijer (later replaced by Pim ter Linde) and songwriter Piet Souer. Three lovely girls were recruited: Patty Brard, Marga Scheide and José Hoebee. The trio's debut single "My Man" peaked at #12 in Holland and #10 in Belgium in 1977. They became big in their homeland with their third single "U.O.Me" which was the theme song of a high-rated TV series. Their international breakthrough happened in the autumn of 1978 thanks to the #1 song "You're the Greatest Lover". They scored hit after hit (Trojan Horse, Casanova, Ooh Yes I Do...) for a couple of years in a large part of Continental Europe, South Africa, New Zealand and Mexico. In August 1980, Patty was replaced by Ria Thielsch. In March 1981, the group announced their first dissolution. In 1989, Marga reformed the pop act with two other vocalists. The original line-up made two comebacks: in 1993 (with the release of the Luv' Gold compilation and a memorable show at De iT club in Amsterdam) and in 2006 with a profusion of projects (a reality TV show, a box set including 4 original albums, three mega shows as guest stars of De Toppers, many gigs....). In recent years, LUV' has performed sporadically mainly due to Patty's busy career on television. The formation sold 7 million records, earned 13 gold and platinum awards and won a Dutch export prize in 1979.
Click here to listen to Marga's radio interview

José, Marga and Patty in 1978

Source: Luv' Official Fan Club, RTL Nieuws, Telegraaf, Het Laatse Nieuws, Blog.nl, NieuwsUit.com, Shownieuws, NOS....

Patty's tribute to Davy Jones

Patty Brard posted a message on her Facebook page to pay tribute to Davy Jones (star of 1960s band The Monkees who died on February 29). She wrote in Dutch: "Aaaah....I was so in love with Davy Jones! RIP"

Source: Patty Brard Facebook Page

José's Fan Club Meeting

José Hoebee has given Anton (of Dutch Show Company) the green light to the organization of her 2012 Fan Club Meeting, on condition that Will's health is improving.

The meet'n greet afternoon will take place on October 21st 2012 from 2.00 to 5.00 pm at Musis Sacrum in Eindhoven, NL. José is expected to perform Luv' songs with the Dutch Show Company.

It will be the perfect opportunity to celebrate Luv's 35th anniversary and the 30th anniversary of the # 1 hit I Will Follow Him.

Send an email to info@dutchshowcompany.nl if you want to join the party.

José & Anton

Source: José Hoebee Fan Club

Patty Brard to perform at Corendon Jubileum Artiestenreis

Corendon Airlines in association with Rob Brouwer Produkties organises the 10th Jubileum Artistenreis, a special package holiday including a trip to Turkey from October 6. to October 13. 2012, a stay at the 5 star hotel Miracle Resort and live performances of Dutch artists (Patty Brard, Wolter Kroes, Corry Konings, Alex, Frank Verkooyen, Rob Ronalds, Imca Marina and Peter Beense).

For further information: click here

Source: Patty Brard Facebook Page, Corendon