Piet Souer is very important in the success story of Luv' in the late 1970s and early 1980s. With Hans van Hemert, he co-wrote many of the group's classic hits. On March 29th, he celebrated his birthday (the same day as José Hoebee) and turned 70!!!
Two days prior to this event, Dutch local newspaper ED (Eindhovens Dagblad) published an article about his impressive career which is very hard to sum up due to its eclectism. In addition to Luv', Piet wrote, produced and arranged many other hits (including Why Tell Me Whyby Anita Meyer, Upside Down by Vanessa and Shine Up by Doris D. and the Pins) as well as film soundtracks and television jingles.
The prolific Maestro is still active in his recording studio in Blaricum. Currently, he is working on an opera based on the book "Eline Vere" by Louis Couperus (which came out in 1889).
One part of the article deals with Luv'. As an arranger at Phonogram Records,Piet Souer - under the pseudonym "Janschen & Janschens" - developed a successful partnership with Hans van Hemert in the 1970s. Usually, Hans recorded demo tapes and Piet improved his compositions. For Luv', the duo wrote bubblegum pop songs such as "You're the Greatest Lover" or "Trojan Horse" (featuring a pipe band from Hilversum). Here's what Piet remembered about Luv's formation: "At a certain moment Hans said: "I want to launch a girl group". That's what we did. We got in touch with a secretary who could sing and a gorgeous blonde girl who wanted more than posing for photos. I knew another girl from Best (José van de Wijdeven) who was talented. Once I told her: "If I can help you, I will let you know".
Even Luv's debut and breakthrough were mentioned. "Their first single came out just after a hostage-taking in a train. It was a catastrophe," he explained. Thanks to the TV series "Het is weer zo laat!" (featuring the theme song "U.O.Me" performed by the trio), Luv' reached fame and fortune. "The ladies looked very good and glittery. We baked the cake. All we needed was a box to wrap it up. Wim van der Linden brought this box," Piet added. Click here to read the complete article. Source: ED, Luv' Official Facebook Page (Marco Rens)
On March 29th, José Hoebee celebrated her birthday with a small group of fans and friends at the Ambacht, a café-restaurant in Best, NL. The Luv' singer enjoyed this special moment with Ingrid de Groot (her sister), David Hay Gibson (her friend and tour manager), Marco Rens (with whom I update the Official Luv' page and the José Hoebee fan page on Facebook), Jos Theuns, Ada Zwakenberg, Karin Angeleyes, Martin Vink, Peter Pommelet, Ine Foudraine, Anton van Stekelenborg-Poirters, Pierre Brouwers and Michael Verkooyen.
Thanks Cindy for your contribution!!! Last summer, Luv' gave a tremendous performance at the "Yesterdayland" festival which took place at the Bobbejaanland theme park in Lichtaart, Belgium (see news posted on August 28th, 2017). The ladies shared the stage with several iconic singers and bands from the 1970s, including Cindy Alter (lead vocalist of the legendary South African pop-rock group Clout). Cindy and the Luv' ladies even met backstage which brought back good memories from the past.
Clout in 1979
Shortly after Yesterdayland, I succeeded in getting in touch with Cindy through Facebook and even connected her with José Hoebee. I'm so happy that the ladies communicate with each other again. They have so much in common. Clout's international popularity coincided with Luv's heyday in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The two groups often performed on the same TV shows (including AVRO's TopPop in Holland and Musikladen in Germany) and scored hits on the same charts. They were label mates as their records were distributed by French label Carrere in Europe.
In June 1978, Luv' and Clout (dressed in colourful jumpsuits) took part in a photo shoot supervised by the renowned photographer Claude Vanheye inGran Canaria. Luv' pictures were used for the covers of the "You're the Greatest Lover" single and the "With Luv" album. On July 19th, the Dutch viewers could watch this iconic photo session onVeronica TV program "Aan de Grenzen".
Clout & Luv' at the Gran Canaria Airport in June 1978
Like Luv', Clout was formed in 1977. In early 1978, their single "Substitute" (a cover version of a song by The Righteous Brothers) was presented at the MIDEM (the world's largest trade fair for the music industry) in Cannes, France. The record had already been a chart-topper in their homeland. At the MIDEM, South African label Sunshine Records licensed the rights for "Substitute" to Carrere for an international distribution deal. The track became an instant hit (#1 in Germany, Ireland, Zimbabwe and New Zealand, #2 in the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland, #9 in France, #10 in Austria, #12 in Australia, #13 in Sweden, #20 in Finland, #67 in the USA).
Substitute on "AVRO's TopPop", Netherlands in 1978
Other hits followed:
You've Got All Of Me on "AVRO's TopPop", Netherlands in 1978 - #16 in South Africa, #14 in Germany and Zimbabwe, #17 in France, #25 in Austria, #23 in the Netherlands
Save Me on "AVRO's TopPop", Netherlands in 1979 - cover version of a Clodagh Rodgers track: #1 in Zimbabwe, #7 in South Africa, #4 in Switzerland and Germany, #5 in Belgium, #9 in the Netherlands, #14 in Austria
Let It Grow on "AVRO's TopPop" in 1978 (cover version of an Eric Clapton's song) - #33 in New Zealand
Under Fireon "Musikladen" in 1979 - #6 in Denmark, #7 in Switzerland, #15 in Germany, #36 in the Netherlands, #18 in Belgium, #18 in Zimbabwe and #19 in South Africa
Oowatanite on "Musikladen" in 1979 - #8 in Denmark, #33 in Germany
Portable Radio on "Musikladen" in 1980 - cover version of aDaryl Hall & John Oates song: #7 in Denmark and #54 in Germany
The Best Of Me on "Musikladen" in 1980: #73 in Germany
Clout disbanded in 1981 (the same year as Luv') after selling ten million records worldwide and earning five Sarie Samas (South African music awards) as well as gold and platinum records.
In 1992, their greatest hits package was released on CD and it was re-mastered as "The Best of Clout" in 2010.
2005 saw the band reuniting after Cindy Alter returned to South Africa after spending 15 years in Los Angeles, USA. A new album, ‘Since They’ve Been Gone’ was released, which contained reworked versions of four of the band’s hits as well as new material. The album was supported by a 12-month tour across South Africa. The reunion saw all the members join forces apart from Lee Tomlinson (now Guy) and Ron Brettell.
In 2015, Cindy and Glenda made a number of guest appearances as a duo and played a number of charity gigs. 2017 saw a full reunion which was performed at a benefit concert in Johannesburg. Due to popular demand, the band, now including Alistair Coakley, but without Sandy, Lee and Jenny, are in the process of planning an international tour to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the release of ‘Substitute’ in 2018. On March 31st, Clout will be one the headlining acts at the Lush Festival in Clarens, South Africa.
Since they’ve been gone… where are they now?
After Clout broke up in 1981, the members have all pursued other ventures, some in music, some not!
Cindy Alter started a successful band Zia who toured Europe, opening for the Bee Gees in Paris. After Zia split up, she moved to America. Whilst in the States, she was diagnosed with leukaemia and after a Stem Cell Bone Marrow transplant has been cured. Since returning to South Africa, Cindy has continued to work as a full-time musician and has recorded a number of albums. She published her autobiography ‘No Substitute’ in 2015.
Interview with Cindy discussing her autobiography
After Clout, Lee Tomlinson (now Lee Guy), quit the music business and moved to Germany. She is a grandmother and lives in England with her husband Barry, who was a former executive at EMI.
Post Clout, Ingrid ‘Ingi’ Herbst (now Ingi Brough) moved to Germany with her husband, where she stayed for 20 years. She continued as a full-time musician and had two sons. After she returned to South Africa, she ventured into the corporate arena and started a media production company with her son. Ingi currently has a successful business in retailing luxury fragrances.
After Glenda Hyam (now Glenda Sixel) parted ways with the band in 1978. she continued as a musician and played keyboards for a number of extremely successful South African bands. Glenda re-joined the line up in 2005. She now runs a successful events management company with her daughter in Johannesburg.
Jenni Garson took a break from the music business until the reunion in 2005. She currently resides in Cape Town and makes the occasional guest appearance at Cindy Alter’s shows in that neck of the woods.
Ron ‘Bones’ Brettell continued as a musician post-Clout and ran a successful studio composing and recording catalogue music. Ron played the keyboard on Cindy’s recent solo album. He sadly passed away in 2016.
Sandy Robbie moved to Port Elizabeth where he works the music circuit. He was a part of the 2005 reunion album and tour but has opted for a life out of the spotlight.
After Clout, Gary van Zyl was a founding member of Juluka, who, with Johnny Clegg at the helm had a string of massive hits, touring globally. He joined the band reunion in 2005 and continues to make appearances on the music scene. Gary was involved as a sound engineer in the legendary Johannesburg venue, Tanz Café and works for the top sound-hire company in South Africa.
2018 is the 40th Anniversary of their Number 1 hit, Substitute. Clout is now in the process of filming a documentary to commemorate this epic event, as well as playing at festivals around South Africa, hoping to tour Europe soon.
Musicians
• Cindy Alter: lead vocals, guitar (1977–1981, 2005, 2018)
• Lee Tomlinson: bass, vocals (1977–1980)
• Ingrid "Ingi" Herbst: drums, vocals (1977–1981, 2005, 2018)
Yesterday, Luv' gave a stylish performance in Goes, NL as part of the Ibiza Fashion Festival / Vriendinnendag (an event organized by DC Models). The ladies were very elegant in their new outfits. On behalf of the fans, many thanks to Ger Valkenburg and Dyon Hagenaars for making this show possible as well as Luv's entourage (David Hay Gibson, Marco Rens, Dominique Hogenbirk and Michiel Gunning).
Pictures (courtesy of Marco Rens, David Hay Gibson, Goesisgoes):
Luv' with Dyon Hagenaars
Videos:
U.O.Me - video by Co Rnz
Welcome To My Party - video by David Hay Gibson
Megamix '93 - Video by Ger Bruysten
DC Fashion Festival @ Goes Vriendinnendag (incl. Luv's performance)
Backstage pictures:
Marga Scheide & Ger Valkenburg (of DC Models)
Marco Rens (Official Luv' Facebook Page) & Luv'
Luv' & Michiel Gunning (Marga's partner)
Luv' & Pierre Pommelet
Luv' & their assistant Dominique Hogenbirk
Source: Official Luv' Facebook Page, Goesisgoes, DC Models
On March 23rd, Luv' singer Marga Scheide and her partner Michiel Gunning attended Dyon Hagenaars' birthday party at 1535 Wijnhuys, a wine bar in Breda, Netherlands. Dyon and his partner Ger Valkenburg run the fashion company "DC Models". Since 2016, the Luv' ladies have been involved in several projects developed by Dyon and Ger.
On March 22nd, Dutch local newspaper Provinciale Zeeuwse Courant (PZC) published an article about the Ibiza Fashion Festival/Vriendinnendag, an event organized by DC Models featuring Luv's performance at the Grote Markt in Goes, NL on March 25th at 4.00 pm.
* On February 20th, the latest episode of BNNVARA/NPO 3's reality show "Vier Handen Op Een Buik" featured Patty Brard who coached a 20-year-old mother named Tiffany before and after the birth of her second child Jaivey. The TV program drew 588.000 (market share: 9.3%) and generated positive comments on social media.
The diva expressed satisfaction about the good viewing figures of the TV show on Twitter and Instagram.
* Patty Brard's latest column for Weekend magazine deals with her former Shownieuws colleague Beau van Erven Dorens. Patty praises the charming TV personality for his latest program "Beau Five Days Inside" on RTL 4. Click here to read the column.
Source: Weekend
* The latest issue of Weekend magazine features an article about Patty's fight against kilos after her gastric bypass.
Source: Weekend
* Yesterday saw the launch of Patty's vlog "Patty Brard: nog een keer slank" on LINDA.TV. Click here to watch it. The diva discussed her gastric bypass. Moreover, she also took part in a Q&A session during a live stream on Facebook and Instagram.
Patty and the team of LINDAnieuws
Source: LINDAnieuws, LINDA.TV, Facebook * La Brard will be performing at "De Keerweer Konings Parade" at Café Keer Weer in Rotterdam, NL on April 26th. Click here for information. In 2016, Luv' already sang in the same venue (see news posted on September 24th, 2016).
Recently, Dutch media personality Paul de Leeuw announced on Radio 538 that Patty Brard would take part again in his panel show "Ranking the Stars" on BNNVARA/NPO 3. He referred to Patty as ‘Twiggy Brard’ due to the announcement of her gastric bypass.
The broadcast date of the new season of "Ranking the Stars" has not been revealed yet.
Patty Brard's shapewear line "Patty sexy correctie" is distributed in Op=Op Voordeelshops. You can win a Meet & Greet with the diva if you buy three pairs of her panties. More info at https://www.opisopvoordeelshop.nl/meetpatty
On March 22nd, Patty will attend the opening of a new Op=Op Voordeelshop in Katwijk, NL.
Source: opisopvoordeelshop.nl, Patty Brard on social media
Patty Brard's recent announcement of her gastric bypass caused a sensation in the Netherlands (see news posted on March 13th, 2018).
The diva graces the cover of the latest issue of Weekend magazine:
Her latest column for Weekend deals with this subject. Click here to read it. Patty puts the record straight after some Dutch media spread rumours about the circumstances of the gastric bypass (see news posted on March 11th, 2018).
Moreover, the latest issue of Story magazine features an article about Patty's operation.
On March 16th, the ex-Luv' singer appeared on two TV programs to discuss this topic and to promote her vlog for LINDA.tv:
Tijd voor MAX on MAX/NPO 1 which drew 485.000 viewers (market share: 20.3%). Click here to watch it (Patty appears at 32:00).
RTL Boulevard on RTL 4 which attracted 990.000 viewers (market share: 22.1%). La Brard was interviewed by her former Shownieuws colleague Bridget Maasland. Click here to watch the interview.
Facebook friend James Arena is an American author, commentator and creator of a series of books spotlighting dance music artists. Good news: his latest book entitled "EUROPE’S STARS OF 80s DANCE POP VOL. 2" (digital and print version) is out now worldwide! It is the follow-up publication to "Europe’s Stars of ’80s Dance Pop: 32 International Music Legends Discuss Their Careers" which came out last summer (see news posted on August 6th, 2017).
Previously released by the author as "Stars of 80s Dance Pop-The European Edition", which is now out-of-print (see news posted on March 9th, 2015), this new version has been updated, re-edited and redesigned.
James Arena's publication celebrates 33 incredible singers, songwriters, DJs, producers and industry pros from one of dance music’s most spectacular eras. Foreword by Sandy Marton of "People From Ibiza" fame.
Here is the full list of artists interviewed in this edition:
Mario Aldini - "Italo Boot Mix" Series
Judy Cheeks - "I Still Love You"
Debut De Soiree - Sacha Goëller - "Nuit De Folie"
Christian De Walden producer of Amanda Lear, Thomas Anders, et al.
Edelweiss - Walter Werzowa - "Bring Me Edeleweiss"
Engelbert - Engelbert Humperdinck - "Traumen Mit Engelbert" LP
Tony Esposito - "Kalimba De Luna"
Five Star - Stedman Pearson - "All Fall Down"
Pierluigi Giombini - producer of Ryan Paris, Gazebo
Gold - Alain Llorca - "Capitaine Abandonné"
José Hoebee - "I Will Follow Him"
Chaz Jankel - "Glad To Know You"
Les Avions - Jean-Pierre Morgand - "Nuit Sauvage"
Ben Liebrand - remixer of "Happy Station" (Fun Fun), et al.
Pedro Marín - "Aire"
MC Miker G & DJ Sven - Sven van Veen - "Holiday Rap"
Francesco Napoli - "Balla..Balla - The Italian Hit Connection"
OKAY - Marcus Gabler - "OKAY!"
Opus - Kurt René Plisnier - "Live Is Life"
Carlos Pérez - "Las Manos Quietas"
Rondò Veneziano - Maestro Gian Piero Reverberi - "La Serenissima"
Lian Ross - "Fantasy"
Marco Sabiu - remixer of "I Love My Radio" (Taffy), et al.
Savage - "Don't Cry Tonight"
Silent Circle - Jürgen CC Behrens and Martin Tychsen - "Touch In The Night"
Tracy Spencer - "Run To Me"
The Three Degrees - Helen Scott - "Set Me Free"
The Twins - Ronny Schreinzer - "Ballet Dancer"
Valerie Dore - Lino Nicolosi - "The Night"
Precious Wilson - formerly of Eruption, "Cry To Me"
Afterword by Christa Mikulski - General Director of ZYX Records
Bonus Beats: Noteworthy albums - commentary from Michael Scholz of Blue System and Johann Perrier (producer of Bad Boys Blue)
An interview with José Hoebee of Luv' appears in this book. The singer discussed her glory years with Holland's greatest girl group in the late 1970s and her solo career in the 1980s.
Click here to buy a copy. E-book & Kindle can be downloaded right now.
