The latest issue of the celebrity gossip magazine "Party" features an article about the so-called war between the divas Connie Breukhoven (formerly known as Vanessa) and Patricia Paay. In the past, the ladies were not on good terms. The probability that they meet on SBS6 is high. Behind the scenes, it is rumoured that the TV channel wants to reunite the two entertainers. Will it lead to tensions between them? Which role will Patty Brard play in this association?
It's not the first time that the Dutch tabloid press mentions Connie, Patricia and Patty together. In 2011, they were asked to be guest artists at De Toppers show but their performance was cancelled. Two years later, they were supposed to sing with Gerard Joling and Gordon on an RTL 4's benefit show (see news posted on November 28th, 2013) Once again, their participation was cancelled (see news posted on December 10th, 2013).
Thanks to her long experience on television, the multitalented Luv' lady Chimène van Oosterhout is a sought-after host for audiovisual events. Recently, she has taken part in "Op naar 2050!", a series of round-table talks broadcast on YouTube and Facebook Live about environmental issues (in particular water) organized by Dutch company "Feenstra" specialized in heating and insulation. 2019 has been a terrible year in terms of global warming and climate change.
Here are the latest episodes of "Op naar 2050!":
Episode 1: Impact of water on the world - video uploaded on October 2nd, 2019
Episode 2: Impact of water on the Netherlands - video uploaded on October 9th, 2019
Episode 3: Water transition - What can we do?
Source: YouTube (Feenstra), Chimène van Oosterhout (Facebook)
Luv' anno 1989: Diana van Berlo, Marga Scheide & Michelle Gold
30 years ago, on October 21st, 1989, Luv's single "Welcome to my party" entered the Dutch Top 40. This song did not feature the vocals of José Hoebee and Patty Brard. It was actually performed by the line-up consisting of Marga Scheide (the only original member of Luv') and two other girls: Diana van Berlo and Michelle Gold. Let's celebrate the 30th anniversary of this catchy dance-pop track.
History
On October 27th 1988, the original Luv' trio (Patty Brard, Marga Scheide and José Hoebee), took everybody by surprise when they appeared on the TV charity show "Samen" hosted by Mies Bouwman on AVRO. They sang their signature song "You're the Greatest Lover", more than seven years after the group's first break-up (see article posted on October 27th, 2018)
The following weeks, the press announced that Luv' was planning a comeback. British hit machine of the 1980s "Stock Aitken & Waterman" (whose artist roster included Rick Astley, Mel & Kim, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Bananarama) were rumoured to produce an album with the girls. However, nothing materialized with The Hit Factory. The Luv' ladies were determined to make a comeback anyway. But in April 1989, José didn't want to be involved in a reunion due to family reasons (she preferred to focus on the education of her son Tim). She was replaced by 23-year-old Diana van Berlo.
Diana was an experienced vocalist as she had already performed under the stage name "Sharon Vice".
Diana van Berlo a.k.a Sharon Vice (1988)
De Telegraaf - July 31st, 1989
Patty, Marga and Diana started to record new material at the Dureco Studio in Weesp, Netherlands. But in early August 1989, Patty suddenly left Luv' as she signed a contract with the newly created RTL Veronique channel. A replacement had to be found. Marga recruited 28-year-old Michelle Gold (born Rachelle Gold), a talented vocalist from the UK.
Prior to Luv', Michellewas a skilled singer who cut a few solo singles released by the UK and Dutch label Palace: * "Lost In Love" (1985) - written and produced by R&B artist Butch Ingram with Grover Washington Jr. as a guest artist:
Michelle Gold - Lost In love
* "Oh Suzy" (1986) - written by Marshall and produced by Michelle Gold
- "Give Me The Time" (1988) - written by Bill Hagans and produced by Lionel Job and Bill Hagans
In addition to her solo career, Michelle was a background singer for James Ingram, Grover Washington JR, Nik Kershaw, Helen Terry (of Culture Club) andPrincess. She also performed with Serge Gainsbourg, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Run DMC and Madonna. Click here to read the portrait of Michelle/Rachel.
On August 14th, 1989, Holland's most-read newspaper De Telegraaf presented the new line-up of Luv':
With the help from Marga's partner Jacques Zwart (aka E. Mergency), a repertoire (highly inspired by the catchy sound of "Stock, Aitken & Waterman") was chosen. English producer Nigel Wright was hired to supervise the recording sessions of the mini-album "For You". This former member of the legendary Jazz-funk band Shakatak was a veteran of the music scene thanks to the hit records he produced for Mirage, Imagination and numerous acts. The first single by the new Luv' was the Dance-pop track "Welcome To My Party" which came out in October 1989. This song was written by John van Katwijk (who worked previously with Patricia Paay), Marcel Schimscheimer (who collaborated with René Froger) and Ronald Sommer. The first live show of Marga and her new colleagues took place at the Four Roses Discotheque in Hilversum in front of a select audience (including TV mogul John de Mol) on September 10th, 1989.
Article published on September 14th, 1989
A few days later, the viewers watched the first TV performance of the "new" Luv' trio on the TROS program "Grote Club Show".
The Dutch press paid attention once again to Luv'.
Press clippings (click on the pictures to enlarge them):
Veronica Magazine - September 23rd, 1989
Hitkrant, October 14th, 1989
De Telegraaf, October 20th, 1989
Welcome To My Party did not achieve the success of Luv's classic hits from the late 1970s but kept the girls busy. They promoted their record in the media, performed it on TV and toured the club circuit. Since 2016, Welcome To My Party has been part of the set list of Luv's live shows again. The current trio (Marga Scheide, José Hoebee and Chimène van Oosterhout) still sings it on stage.
Luv' and the Dureco Team at a music trade fair in Hilversum (1989)
Chart performance
"Welcome to my party" peaked at #22 on the Dutch Top 40 and #19 on the Nationale Hitparade in the Netherlands. It reached the 28th position on the BRT Top 30 in Belgium and #39 on the Flemish Ultratop.
The presence of the single on the charts and the release of Luv's mini-album "For You" was announced on the November 11th, 1989 issue of the Pan-European trade magazine "Music & Media":
TV Performances * September 29th, 1989: Grote Club Show (TROS), Netherlands
* October 20th, 1989: Linda (TROS), Netherlands
* October 20th, 1989: Berg (RTL-Véronique), Netherlands
* October 21st, 1989: Top 40 (Veronica), Netherlands
* November 1st, 1989: B.O.O.S (Veronica), Netherlands
* Unknown broadcast date in late 1989: Pak De Poen (BRT 1), Belgium
* November 2nd, 1989: Hits Uit Holland (RTL-Véronique), Netherlands
* November 11th, 1989: St Maarten: The Friendly Island (Veronica), Netherlands
* December 18th, 1989: Muziek in Natura (AVRO), Netherlands
* July 11th, 1990: Rerun of St Maarten: The Friendly Island (Veronica), Netherlands Tracklisting and release
Welcome To My Party Released by High Fashion Dance Music / Dureco in October 1989 7" vinyl single - two versions: Version 1:
A side: Welcome To My Party (J.v. Katwijk, M. Schimscheimer, R. Sommer) - 3:00
B side: No Cure No Pay (E. Mergency) - 3:39
Co-produced by Nigel Wright and John Smits
Photo by Govert de Roos
Version 2:
A side: Welcome To My Party (J.v. Katwijk, M. Schimscheimer, R. Sommer) - 3:00
B side: Medley (Janschen & Janschens) - 5:16
Medley co-produced by Margret
12" vinyl single:
A side: Welcome To My Party (Party House Mix) - 6:01 / Welcome To My Party (Acapella) - 1:32
B side: Medley (Greatest Lover/Trojan Horse/Yes I Do/Casanova /U.O.Me) - 7:14
CD Maxi-single:
Welcome To My Party (J. v. Karwijk, M. Schimscheimer, R. Sommer) - 3:00
Welcome To My Party (12 Inch Version - J. v. Karwijk, M. Schimscheimer, R. Sommer) - 6:21
No Cure No Pay (E. Mergency) - 3:39
* Source: Wikipedia, Discogs.com, Dutchcharts.nl, Beeld en geluid, YouTube, Martin Vink, Co Rnz
* Bibliography:
Top 40 Hitdossier 1956-2005 (9e editie) by Johan van Slooten, publ: Gottmer Bech
On October 15th, Gordon posted a video with Patty Brard on Instagram to celebrate his 100th day as a sober and clean person. Click here to watch it. Recently, the larger than life singer and media personality has decided to go into rehab with the helping hand from Patty.
Currently, the duo is taping a TV program for SBS6 in which they are looking for eternal youth around the world.
On October 16th, the seventh episode of SBS6's repair show "Zo Goed Als Nieuw" (hosted by Patty Brard) drew 715.000 viewers (market share: 15.8%). It even reached #13 on SKO's Dag Top 25 (the daily list of the 25 most popular programs conceived by Dutch audience measurement company Stichting KijkOnderzoek). These are the best viewing figures for this TV program to this day.
This episode of Zo Goed Als Nieuw was special. It was taped in Château Mariaux in France and featured the Meiland family (especially Martien Meiland) who recently won the Gouden Televizier-Ring for "best TV show of the year".
La Brard can be grateful to the Meilands who have the Midas touch at the moment in the Netherlands. They saved Patty's program whose TV ratings have been previously a bit disappointing.
The latest issue of Story features an article about Patty Brard who will celebrate in March her 65th birthday.
Two years ago, no-one expected that the diva would be so busy in the media after her departure from Shownieuws. La Brard announced that she would slow down and settle down definitively on Ibiza. But she rapidly changed her plans after she received lucrative offers from RTL and SBS. She eventually signed a 4-year deal with Talpa TV (which owns SBS6) earlier this year. Moreover, a theater tour was planned for 2020 but she had to cancel it because of her hectic schedule on TV (see news posted on October 6th, 2019). However, the project of her biography is maintained. It is written by Dutch author Michel van Egmond and his partner, journalist Antoinnette Scheulderman. Van Egmond published bestsellers on the Dutch market (including Gijp and Kieft).
Antoinnette is in charge of interviews for Patty's biography. "Patty is so busy with TV programs at the moment. Michel follows her and I interview her, "Antoinnette told Story. The touchy issue of the bad relationship between Patty and her daughter Priscilla is discussed in the book. In addition to one-on-one talks with the former Luv' singer, Antoinnette also interviews people from Patty's entourage. "I've received carte blanche from Patty. I'm allowed to call anyone that I want and I can ask all the questions I want to Patty. I can't tell if I talked to Priscilla for the book," Antoinnette added. "I hope that Priscilla will have the first copy of the book in March and that she and Patty will be on good terms again," she said.
Click on the image to enlarge it and to read the article:
The latest issue of Party magazine features an interview with Luv' singer and media personality Chimène van Oosterhout. Now that the trio's career is on hold due to José Hoebee's burnout, the beautiful and multi-talented lady is busy with other projects, including writing a book. "It takes time to write. You need discipline to do it. When I started to write last year, I was busy hosting TV programs on RTL 4. Then came Luv'. I had to postpone writing. Several chapters are finished. Some of them deal with myself and others with other people. I discuss several topics (narcissism, health, career...)," she told.
Moreover, Chimène talked about the relationships between women and men and how wrong they can be when they involve narcissist partners.
Click on the images to enlarge them and to read the interview:
Earlier this month, Marga Scheide was interviewed by Hans Schiffers for a podcast as part of the series entitled "Wat Je Altijd Al Wilde Weten Van..." on AVROTROS/NPO Radio 5. The Luv' lady discussed the incredible story of Holland's greatest girl group. Since 1977, she has been part of all the line-ups of the pop trio and she is the right person to talk about the ups and downs of Luv'. She even trademarked the group's name in late 1989.
Prior to Luv', Marga had been a successful photo model, travelled the world, appeared in TV commercials (including the SiSi lemonade), graced the covers of Phonogram compilations and took part in beauty pageants (including Miss Holland). At the beginning of Luv's career, she was still a model. The beautiful blonde gave up her modelling activities just after "You're the Greatest Lover" became a #1 hit.
The Luv' singer also mentioned a song that the original line-up (Patty Brard, Marga Scheide and José Hoebee) recorded in early 1989. A few weeks earlier, on October 27th, 1988, Luv' reunited on Mies Bouwman's TV charity show "Samen" (click here to read my article about this special event posted on October 27th, 2018). The original trio had not sung for eight years. After this unique performance, the press announced that the ladies were planning a comeback. British hit machine of the 1980s "Stock Aitken & Waterman" (whose artist roster featured Rick Astley, Mel & Kim, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Bananarama) were rumoured to produce an album for the girls. Unfortunately, nothing materialized with The Hit Factory. However, Patty, Marga and José recorded a cover version of a dance-pop track entitled "No Cure No Pay" written by E. Mergency (the pseudonym of Marga's partner Jacques Zwart). The original version was performed by Dutch singer Florence. But in April 1989, José decided to leave Luv' to devote time to her family duties. She was replaced by Diana van Berlo. In August 1989, Patty left the group and was rapidly replaced by British singer Michelle Gold. The renewed Luv' trio recorded another version of "No Cure No Pay" which appeared on the "For You" mini-album. So an unreleased track by the original Luv' ladies has been gathering dust in the Dureco archives. Let's hope that one day it will come out.
On October 17th, Marga's interview on "Wat Je Altijd Al Wilde Weten Van..." was put online via Spotify, Soundcloud and the NPO Radio 5 app. Click here to listen to it.
Source: Facebook (Hans Schiffers, Official Luv'), NPO Radio 5
On October 9th, "Zo Goed Als Nieuw" (the repair show hosted by Patty Brard on SBS6) drew 332.000 viewers (market share: 6.1%). These are the worst viewing figures for this TV program. Zo Goed Als Nieuw could not compete with the "Gouden Televizier-Ring Gala" (Dutch TV awards) which attracted 2.534.000 viewers (market share: 47.2%) on NPO 1. The Gouden Televizier-Ring (Award for the best TV show) went to SBS6's reality program "Chateau Meiland". Patty is a huge fan of the Meilands and even taped an episode of "Zo Goed Als Nieuw" recently with this popular family (see news posted on October 6th, 2019).
The Meilands: winners of the latest Gouden Televizier-Ring
The latest issue of Privé magazine features an interview with Patty Brard who discussed her special relationship with Dutch pop singer and media personality Gordon. The two celebrities are on very good terms. They will soon travel the world for a reality show which will be broadcast on SBS 6.
Patty is now a wise woman. Her wild and rock and roll years are over. She has lost 40 kilos thanks to her gastric bypass last year. Recently, her husband Antoine van de Vijver and she celebrated their 5th anniversary. Earlier this year, she signed a 4-year deal with John de Mol's Talpa TV (see news posted on March 16th, 2019). She had lately returned from France where she taped an episode of her repair show "Zo goed als nieuw" with the Meiland family (stars of the Gouden Televizier Ring-winning reality program "Chateau Meiland").
Soon she will start a quest for eternal youth with Gordon around the globe. "We will first go to Ukraine. Then we'll go to Peru, Thailand, the Philippines and India," the diva told.
After her impressive makeover, the former Luv' singer has been an inspiration for Gordon who is trying to lead a healthier life. "When he feels weak, he calls me. I try to motivate him with bikram yoga but then he laughs and says: "I'm already stressed just to think about it!". He thinks I'm hysterical but on the other hand, he keeps on telling me: "Jeez, you look fabulous". It's funny to see how he listens to me. I give him strength. That's why we click so well," Patty explained.
Click on the images to enlarge them and to read the articles:
The latest issue of Story magazine features an article about Patty Brard. The diva discusses several subjects (including the consequences of her gastric bypass on her health, the separate careers of her husband Antoine and her, the project of a renewal of marriage vows (Patty and Antoine recently celebrated their 5th anniversary...).
Chimène van Oosterhout graces the cover of the latest issue of Frits, a magazine about Eindhoven and the surrounding area. The Luv' singer and media personality discusses several subjects (family, life, love, career (her book about narcissism, a TV documentary, yoga, Luv's project in Miami), health...). "I'm like Joan of Arc and I'm looking for awareness", Chimène says.
The cover of FRITS was revealed during a launch party held at the business center of Eindhoven Airport on September 7th.
Source: Frits.nl, Chimène van Oosterhout on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)