In the mood for Luv'!!!

Photo by Govert de Roos

* On January 28th, Luv' attended the premiere of the Dutch musical "Op Hoop Van Zegen" at the Zaantheater in Zaandam, Netherlands. 

Photo credits: David Hay Gibson

Chimène van Oosterhout, David Hay Gibson, José Hoebee, Willem van der Velden, Marga Scheide and Michiel Gunning

* Earlier today, good news was announced on the Official Luv' Fan Page on Facebook. The ladies will soon travel to Miami, Florida to record new songs.

Details about new material were even given in the "Privé" section of today's edition of De Telegraaf. "Henk Schorel of Viva Canal put us in touch with an American music producer who wrote five songs for us. In March we will go into the studio," Marga Scheide told. Unfortunately, Patty Brard was also mentioned in the same article. The diva will soon parody Luv' with two drag queens (Mayday and Miss Patty Pam-Pam) at the mega shows of the Snollebollekes at GelreDome in Arnhem, Netherlands. 60.000 spectators are expected to attend these concerts. Because Marga trademarked the group's name, Patty won't be able to perform as Luv'. La Brard and her two new colleagues might choose Suv' or Muv' as a trio's name. 

Source: Facebook (Official Luv'), De Telegraaf/Privé

42 years after their debut, the Luv' ladies are still relevant!!!

Photo by Govert de Roos

The announcement of Chimène van Oosterhout's recruitment as a Luv' singer came as a surprise. No matter what happens to Holland's greatest girl group, the ladies are still in the spotlight 42 years after their debut.

Recently, a YouTube channel about the latest adventures of the pop trio was launched:

Luv' story (vlog) - episode 1

Luv' story (vlog) - episode 2

Two days ago, the Official Luv' Fan Page on Facebook announced that two public live shows were scheduled, in addition to private performances. 

March 16th, 2019: "Terug naar...TOEN" 80s party in Aalten - Netherlands

Click here for information

May 18th, 2019: "Boulevard op Stelten" in Hardewijk, Netherlands

Click here for information

On a less positive note, Luv's fame in Holland has been affected by celebrity gossip magazines. Bad and good reports in the press are the name of the game in the group's career.

The latest issues of Weekend and Party feature articles about the tensions between the former Luv' singer Ria Thielsch and ex-colleagues (José Hoebee and Marga Scheide).

Hopefully, Luv' will release new material but nothing concrete has been decided yet. Let's cross our fingers!!!

Source: Official Luv' (Facebook), YouTube (Luv' Story), Weekend, Party

Luv' to perform at "Terug naar…..TOEN" (80s party)

Luv' will be performing as part of the "Terug naar...TOEN" 80s party at "De hofnar" in Aalten, Netherlands on March 16th, 2019 at 11.59 pm.

Location: Polstraat 7 - 7121 DH Aalten - Netherlands

Click here to buy tickets.

Source: Official Luv' (Facebook)

Luv' to perform at "Boulevard op Stelten"

Luv' will be performing during the Dutch "guilty pleasures" show "Boulevard op Stelten" which is the opening party of Boulevard in Harderwijk, the Netherlands on May 18th between 10.30 pm and 11.00 pm. 

The ladies will share the stage with Snollebollekes, T-Spoon, Henk Dissel, DJ Maurice and Music de Party met het Foute Uur.

Location: party tent - Strandboulevard West, Hardewijk 

Click here to buy tickets. 

Source: Boulevard Events Harderwijk, Official Luv' (Facebook)

Flashback: "Ooh, Yes I Do" in France (1980)

Several months ago, I posted articles about the chart performance of "You're the Greatest Lover" and "Trojan Horse" in France (click here and here to read them). Unlike Benelux and German-speaking countries, the land of cuisine, wine and haute couture was a difficult market for Luv'. 

Recently, French record chart specialist Eric Stéphane has put the chart run of "Ooh, Yes I Do" online. The aim of his "Charts singles Top 50 en France" blog is to show the chart performance of singles before the launch of Canal + Top 50 (the first significant French record chart based on sales (in association with the SNEP (French recording industry association), Nielsen and IPSOS).

Before the Canal + Top 50 publication in November 1984, only industry insiders knew the real record sales. The public could only rely on unofficial lists.

Eric's work is very accurate. In addition to record sales by the SNEP, it combines numerous sources (Sonopresse, RTL, NRJ, Salut les copains, Hit magazine, Podium, Salut, Europe 1, CIDD, France Inter, Gold magazine, Journal du Show-Biz, Sapac, Cogedep, Radio Monte-Carlo, Radio Andorre, l'Express, VSD, Disc action, Show mag). 

According to his elaborated calculation, "Ooh, Yes I Do", reached #8 on the Top 50 in June 1980, spent 18 weeks on the hit list and sold 227.002 copies in France. 

Screenshots of the "Charts singles Top 50 en France" blog mentioning Luv'

When it was announced that Ooh, Yes I Do entered the French Top 10, Marga Scheide had a party to celebrate this good news. Patty Brard and José Hoebee were not present but Dutch media tycoon John de Mol (who was romantically involved with Marga) was there. 

Press clipping about Marga's party - thanks Marco Rens 

Chart run of "Ooh, Yes I Do" in France:

1st week (March 16th, 1980)

Position: #65

Sales: 5499

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/11/16-mar-1980.html

2nd week (March 23td, 1980)

Position: #64

Sales: 5582

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/11/23-mar-1980.html

3rd week (March 30th, 1980)

Position: #46

Sales: 7498

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/11/30-mar-1980.html

4th week (April 6th, 1980)

Position: #41

Sales: 7832

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/11/6-apr-1980.html

5th week (April 13th, 1980)

Position: #32

Sales: 10 748

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/11/13-apr-1980.html

6th week (April 20th, 1980)

Position: #28

Sales: 11 248

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/11/20-apr-1980.html

7th week (April 27th, 1980)

Position: #23

Sales: 11 581

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/12/27-apr-1980.html

8th week (May 4th, 1980)

Position: #22

Sales: 13 081

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/12/4-mai-1980.html

9th week (May 11th, 1980)

Position: #22

Sales: 14 830

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/12/11-mai-1980.html

10th week (May 18th, 1980)

Position: #14

Sales: 20 246

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/12/18-mai-1980.html

11th week (May 25th, 1980)

Position: #11

Sales: 23 745

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/12/25-mai-1980.html

12th week (June 1st, 1980)

Position: #8

Sales: 27 328

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/12/1-juin-1980.html

13th week (June 8th, 1980)

Position: #10

Sales: 18 330

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/12/8-juin-1980.html

14th week (June 15th, 1980)

Position: #20

Sales: 14 830

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/12/15-juin-1980.html

15th week (June 22nd, 1980)

Position: #26

Sales: 12 581

Link: http://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/12/22-juin-1980.html

16th week (June 29th, 1980)

Position: #36

Sales: 9 915

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2018/12/29-juin-1980.html

17th week (July 6th, 1980)

Position: #53

Sales: 6 749

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2019/01/6-july-1980.html

18th week (July 13th, 1980)

Position: #70

Sales: 5 379

Link: https://chartssinglestop40france.blogspot.com/2019/01/13-july-1980.html

Luv' on the Champs Elysées in Paris during the promotion of "Ooh, Yes I Do" (early 1980)

Prior to Eric's research, another French website named "InfoDisc.fr" (updated by Daniel Lesueur and Dominic Durand) tried to compile data to show the actual chart performances before Canal + Top 50. According to this site, Ooh, Yes I Do entered the singles chart on April 4th, 1980, spent 10 weeks on the hit list and reached #45.

Link: http://www.infodisc.fr/Tubes_Artistes_L.php

A third site "Top-france.fr" (updated by record chart specialist Fabrice Ferment who published the book "40 ans de tubes" in the early 2000s) also mentions "Ooh, Yes I Do". Ferment posted online the charts before 1984 and based on sales figures (SNEP), royalties and statistics from Cogedep (supermarkets network) and Savapc (Prisunic - Monoprix - Fnac). According to his estimations which only focus on the Top 20, "Ooh, Yes I Do" entered the French singles chart on May 5th, 1980, peaked at #10 and spent 7 weeks on the Top 20. Ferment's conclusions are close to Eric Stéphane's ones.

Link: http://www.top-france.fr/html/hebdo/cadre.htm

Moreover, Ooh, Yes I Do also appears in the list of the best selling singles of 1980 in France. This chart is set up by Ferment. Click here to see it. 

"Ooh, Yes I Do" among the best selling singles of 1980 in France

Luv' performed Ooh, Yes I Do three times on French television: Midi Première (TF1 - March 7th, 1980), Les Rendez Du Dimanche (TF1 - March 23rd, 1980) and Numéro Un Sacha Distel (TF1 - May 17th, 1980). 

Dutch singer Dave (highly popular in France) introducing Luv' to French viewers on television

Luv' on Midi Première 

Luv' on Numéro Un Sacha Distel

Luv's single was also supported by the French leading radio station RTL. It even peaked at #17 on the Hit Parade RTL (based on listeners' requests and the choices of the station).

One interesting fact: the French subsidiary of Carrere released some pressings of My Guy as the A-side and Ooh, Yes I Do as the B-side.

Source: Charts Singles Top 50 France, Luv' blog archives, Discogs.com...

Patty Brard's column about "Jamie Cooks Italy"

Patty Brard's latest column for Weekend magazine deals with Jamie Oliver's recent cookbook "Jamie Kookt Italië" (Jamie Cooks Italy).

After her gastric bypass, the diva was obliged to adapt her diet, her way to cook and her social life. That's how she lost 30 kilos. La Brard explains that Jamie's cuisine made her want to cook again.

Click here to read the column.

Source: Weekend

Patty Brard has not signed an exclusive deal with RTL

Last week, Dutch news websites and Patty Brard herself on social media announced that the diva had signed a 3-year deal with RTL Nederland (see news posted on January 15th, 2019). But yesterday, the media reported that both parties had not reached an agreement and that the exclusive contract was not signed.

"RTL was ready for collaboration but after several discussions, it was decided that she would be involved in TV shows with other networks," a spokesman said.

Miss Brard will be hosting the reality show "Hotter Than My Daughter" on RTL 5. Currently, she is a media expert on RTL 4's talk show "RTL Late Night Met Twan Huys". 

Showbiz expert Albert Verlinde gave details on SBS 6's infotainment program "6 Inside" about behind-the-scenes negotiations between Patty and RTL. According to Verlinde, La Brard was not satisfied with the package of TV programs offered by the network. 

The larger than life TV personality, who lives in the Netherlands and in Ibiza with her husband Antoine, only "wanted to leave her home for a package of interesting programs which are "worth it".

Verlinde told that Brard didn't suffer from the situation because she could spend more time with her spouse and was free to work on other TV projects like for example the BNNVARA's program "Vier Handen Op Een Buik".

Source: 6 Inside, RTL Boulevard, RTL Nieuws, Mediacourant.nl, Televizier, AD, NU.nl, Lindanieuws.nl..

RTL Late Night Met Twan Huys (feat. De Week van Patty): latest viewing figures

On January 18th, RTL 4's talk show "RTL Late Night Met Twan Huys" (featuring Patty Brard as a media expert) drew 808.000 viewers (market share: 20.4%). Among the guests of the program were Jorn Wildeman, aka rapper Ginger, famous for his participation in "The Voice of Holland" and Diederik Jekel who attended the latest Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and talked about the newest high-tech gadgets. The ex-Luv' singer discussed several subjects in her segment "De Week van Patty": the transfer of TV personalities Wendy van Dijk and Linda de Mol to Talpa (SBS 6) and the feud between Gordon and Angela de Jong.

Source: RTL 4, SKO

2019: a year in the sign of Luv'!!!

Photo by David Hay Gibson during Luv's latest photo shoot with Govert de Roos in his studio

Earlier this month, the Luv' ladies took their fans and the media by surprise when they announced Chimène van Oosterhout's recruitment (see news posted on January 4th, 2019). This unexpected news caused a sensation in the Netherlands.

The three singers are ready for new adventures. They appear in the latest issues of two Dutch celebrity gossip magazines.

In Story, Marga Scheide told how Chimène was chosen. 

"The decision about the line-up change wasn't surprising. José and I noticed that Ria didn't like what she was doing. She felt that she was under pressure. That's why José and I organized a lunch to talk about the situation. Ria said that she didn't want to go on. There was a big problem because if we could not find a replacement for Ria, we would be obliged to cancel live performances. I immediately thought that Chimène van Oosterhout would be the perfect candidate to replace her. I've known her for 15 years. We met in Ibiza. Every time I saw her, we clicked. We had serious conversations...I became a widow all of a sudden when my partner Jacques died of a heart attack. After this drama, I thought I could never recover from the death of my loved one. But Chimène was there for me. Her comfort really helped me. I knew she worked on TV but I didn't know she was also a psychologist," Marga told Story.

"Chimène used to be a fan of Luv'. She knew all our songs by heart. We even sang them on the beach. Chimène is an inspiring woman who is very positive. After Ria told us that she wanted to leave the group, I rapidly got in touch with her. Then we met and we started to rehearse at home," Marga added.

Chimène was very honored when she was asked to become a member of Holland's greatest girl group. "I started my career as a TV host on TROS channel. I wanted to start a practice as a psychologist. But I was so busy with many TV projects that I had to postpone this project. I didn't know that Marga would call me before New Year's Eve. I am a single mom and I have a 16-year-old son," Chimène explained.

Luv' in Story (Interview by Door Guido den Aantrekker. Photos by Edwin Smulders & David Hay Gibson) - Scans by Official Luv' fan page on Facebook

The latest issue of Party magazine features an interview with Chimène. Luv's new member said that she loved horse riding and that her horse Felliway was her biggest passion. 

On January 18th, the trio and their tour manager David Hay Gibson had a business talk in Den Bosch, the Netherlands with Brigitte Vis at Jan Vis booking agency (in charge of their live performances in the Netherlands). Marga's partner Michiel Gunning was present as well.

Brigitte Vis & Luv'

Luv' with Michiel Gunning, Brigitte Vis and David Hay Gibson

In recent messages posted on social media, José Hoebee and Chimène van Oosterhout were very enthusiastic about the teamwork.

Moreover, Luv' are present on Instagram and have recently launched a YouTube channel. These social media include exclusive material (photos and videos) provided by Luv's tour manager David Hay Gibson. 

Click here to go to the Official Luv's fan page on Instagram

Click here to go to Luv's YouTube channel

Last but not least: new songs might be released this year. But it's too soon to announce something concrete. 

Source: Luv' on social media (Facebook/Official Luv', YouTube, Instagram), Chimène and José's Facebook pages, Story, Party...

The Luv' ladies launch their YouTube Channel!!!

Earlier this evening, the Luv' ladies (Marga Scheide, José Hoebee and Chimène van Oosterhout) have announced that they have launched their YouTube channel. Subscribe to this channel to follow their adventures!!!

Source: Luv Official Fanpage

Patty Brard signs a 3-year contract with RTL Nederland

Patty Brard's Instagram account

Earlier today, Patty Brard confirmed on social media that she signed a 3-year deal with RTL Nederland. Several Dutch news websites (NU.nl, AD.nl, Telegraaf.nl, Mediacourant.nl...) have covered this special news.

Earlier this evening, she told "6 Inside" (SBS 6's infotainment program) that she would work for RTL Boulevard on RTL 4. "Recently I've been busy with several things including Hotter Than My Daughter. RTL saw that I was good at human interest stories. In addition to Hotter Than My Daughter, they had something in mind: I'm going to be a showbiz expert on RTL Boulevard," the diva explained.

Since late November, the former Luv' singer has been active as an entertainment news expert on RTL 4's talk show "RTL Late Night Met Twan Huys".

Between 2007 and 2017, La Brard was mainly busy on SBS 6, in particular on Shownieuws. She even signed exclusive deals with SBS Broadcasting B.V. in 2013 and 2015. In 2017, she ended her partnership with the TV network because she was told that she was not "fresh and fruity" enough. 

Last year, she was involved in the documentary series VetGelukkig on NTR/NPO 3 with Diederik Jekel, after her amazing weight loss due to a gastric bypass. Last month, she won the final of RTL 4's celebrity photo contest "Het Perfecte Plaatje".

Between 1989 and 2006, the large than life TV personality already worked for RTL. In the 2010s, she was even a freelancer linked with the commercial network. 

Source: Patty Brard on social media, Inside 6, NU.nl, AD.nl, Telegraaf.nl, Mediacourant.nl

Hans van Hemert about "Trojan Horse" by Luv' on "Theater van het Sentiment"

Yesterday, Dutch record producer Hans van Hemert (who launched Luv' in 1976) gave a brief phone interview on NPO Radio 5's show "Theater van het Sentiment" (hosted by Bart van Leeuwen) to discuss Luv's #1 hit "Trojan Horse". Recently, the group celebrated the 40th anniversary of this iconic pop song (see article posted on November 18th, 2018). 

When asked what the secret of the success of Trojan Horse was, Hans answered: "It was the follow-up to a big hit "You're the Greatest Lover". I was at the peak of my popularity. I made sure that the song was very catchy and commercial. I came up with the idea of incorporating a bagpipe theme".

Hans explained the creative process of Luv's Trojan Horse. He told that he composed this tune when he was under pressure. 

Click here to listen to the interview with Hans van Hemert.

Source: NPO Radio 5

Video: item about Luv' on Telegraaf.nl

Maarten Steendam & Jan Uriot

Earlier today, a video of journalists Maarten Steendam and Jan Uriot discussing Luv's current situation was posted on the website of Dutch largest tabloid newspaper De Telegraaf. Yesterday saw the first performance of Luv's new line-up featuring Chimène van Oosterhout (see previous post). An excerpt from the live show (filmed by the group's tour manager David Hay Gibson) was used to illustrate the item of De Telegraaf. Jan Uriot explained that Ria Thielsch's departure from Luv' was due to wardrobe issues. That's why Marga Scheide asked Chimène if she wanted to join the group. The possibility of new material recorded by Luv' was even mentioned by Uriot. 

Click here to watch the video.

Source: De Telegraaf