Summer of 1981: Luv's (so-called) farewell

35th anniversary of "Tingalingaling" and Luv's farewell performance on "Nederland Muziekland"

   

In early March 1981, after a couple of months of inactivity, Luv's management announced the break-up of Holland's greatest girl group (see news posted on March 4th, 2016). Marga Scheide was depressive. Prior to this sad news, Patty Brard had already left the trio in July 1980 and was rapidly replaced by Ria Thielsch. The renewed Luv' trio enjoyed success with the Top 5 single "My Number One" in late 1980 (see article posted on November 17th, 2015). 

After the group's demise, the ladies kept a low profile for several months, except Patty who scored the hit single "Hold on Love" on the charts in early 1981 (#19 on the Dutch Top 40 and #14 on the Nationale Hitparade in the Netherlands, #4 on the BRT Top 30 in Belgium and #12 on the South African Charts). 

Meanwhile, Luv' creator and producer, Hans van Hemert wrote and produced a single entitled "Tick-a-thumps my heart" for the female pop trio "Babe". The song reached the Top 20 in the Netherlands and Belgium. Marga and José Hoebee secretly provided vocals on this track. Moreover, Marga was also in charge of Babe's styling. 

Article about Hans van Hemert working with Babe published in the "Privé" section of De Telegraaf (May 16th, 1981)

Article mentioning Marga Scheide in charge of Babe's styling in De Telegraaf on June 9th, 1981

"Tick-a-thumps my heart" by Babe on "Te land, ter zee en in de lucht" (TROS, 1981)

José also recorded background vocals for David Soul's LP "The Best Days Of My Life" (produced by the man who would become her husband in October 1981: Will Hoebee). David had already reached fame and fortune with his role in the popular TV series "Starsky & Hutch". 

Article about a party organized after the recording of David Soul's album (featuring José's background vocals) in De Telegraaf (May 30th, 1981)

José Hoebee & David Soul

On June 18th, Marga, José and Ria caused a sensation when they took part in the Hitkrant's zomerspelen (a summer multi-sport event with celebrities which was sponsored by teen magazine Hitkrant) at the Efteling theme park. On that occasion, a handprint ceremony with the girls was organized for the official launch of the Efteling's latest attraction: the "Python" roller coaster. 

Picture published in Dagblad van Rijn en Gouwe (June 19th, 1981)

Article published in Het Vrije Volk (June 19th, 1981)

In the meantime, TROS DJ Hugo van Gelderen started to play Luv's track "Tingalingaling" often on the radio. This uptempo post disco and synthpop song was taken from the group's last studio album "Forever Yours". It was so popular among the listeners and the fans that CNR/Carrere Records decided to release it as a single. 

To the public's great surprise, Luv' made a farewell performance on July 22nd 1981, on Veronica's TV show "Nederland Muziekland". The program was taped in Spakenburg, Netherlands. The ladies lip-synced "Tingalingaling". Marga was at that time reluctant to plan a comeback and José intended to launch her solo career. However, Willem-Jan van de Wetering (general manager of Luv's record company) convinced them to appear on this unique show. 

Article about Luv's farewell performance on "Nederland Muziekland" in Leeuwarder Courant (July 22nd, 1981)

Nieuwsblad van het Noorden (July 22nd, 1981)

Luv' performing "Tingalingaling" on Nederland Muziekland (Veronica, July 22nd, 1981)

Because it was not actively promoted by Luv' in the media, "Tingalingaling" became a moderate hit in the Netherlands. It peaked at #29 on the Dutch Top 40 and #15 on the Nationale Hitparade in Holland. 

Original Dutch record sleeve of "Tingalingaling"

German record sleeve of "Tingalingaling"

Japanese record sleeve of "Tingalingaling"

Peruvian pressing of 'Tingalingaling"

Moreover, the trio was supposed to sing at a UNICEF gala in Greece (broadcast on Eurovision) but their participation in this show was cancelled. 

Article about the UNICEF gala in Greece

At the end of the summer of 1981, the compilation "Goodbye Luv" (including the repertoire from 1979 to 1981) came out and marked the end of a short and intense success story. 

Front cover of "Goodbye Luv'"

Back cover of "Goodbye Luv"

Release party of "Goodbye Luv" with Keith Marshall, Marga Scheide and José Hoebee

No-one expected that the members of Luv' would reunite several times later.....

Source: Delpher.nl, Krant van Toen, Luv' blog archives, YouTube, Discogs....