Summer and Autumn 1990: Luv's wind of change

30th anniversary: Carina Lemoine as a member of Luv', Record deal with RCA and Release of "Hasta Mañana"

Thanks Martin Vink for the information, pictures and press clippings as well as Co Rnz for additional photos and support.

Luv' backstage at Veronica's TV show "Sportgala" taped at the Eurocircuit in Valkenswaard (1990)

30 years ago, in the summer and autumn of 1990, Luv' went through two major changes: a new line-up (21-year-old Carina Lemoine joined Marga Scheide and Diana van Berlo) and the signature of a new record deal. Let's celebrate the 30th anniversary of this special chapter of Luv's history. 

In 1989, Marga Scheide (the only original member of Luv') decided to relaunch the group with two other girls: Diana van Berlo and British singer Michelle Gold (see news posted on August 14th, 2019). 

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. 

In the meantime, Marga trademarked Luv's name which later led to tensions with Hans van Hemert (who created the original group in 1976) and Patty Brard (who often blamed her for this decision in interviews and her recent biography). 

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. 

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 follow-up singles taken from the For You mini-album all flopped: I Don't Wanna Be Lonely (December 1989), Girl Like Me (released only in Japan in 1990) and Hit-Medley (1990). 

In June 1990, Michelle Gold left the group as she could not cope with frequent round trips between the UK and Holland. 

The July 12th, 1990 edition of Dutch most-read newspaper De Telegraaf featured an article about Luv' looking for a new singer. Here's what manager Jaap Buys said about this situation: "Michelle could not manage it anymore. She always had to fly from England to come here. It was very expensive and sometimes she also missed the flights. We can't work like that. She was supposed to move to the Netherlands but it never happened as her son is in a special school in England. So we are looking for a new singer."

De Telegraaf - July 12th, 1990 - Click on the image to enlarge it

Click here to read the article online

Marga held auditions to find the perfect replacement for Michelle. Carina Lemoine from Velsen, the Netherlands was selected from 100 applicants as a new member of Luv'. Like José Hoebee, Diana van Berlo and Michelle Gold before they joined the pop formation, Carina was an experienced vocalist. Prior to Luv', she put out four solo singles:

I Love Disco / Walkman ‎(7" Single), Mercury, 1981

 

Oh Lieve Papa / 'k Hou Van Disco  ‎(7" Single), Mercury, 1982

Mama, Hij Wil Zo Graag Een Zoen / Een Beetje Liefde ‎(7" Single)

Big Lift Records, 1984

The Hour Comes Nigh / Stay With Me ‎(7" Single), Corduroy Records, 1986

The August 3rd, 1990 edition of Dutch celebrity gossip magazine Story included an article about Carina's recruitment and provided information about her audition and her background. Dozens of candidates took part in the selection process. Before joining Luv', Carina worked as a secretary. "I was so nervous when I had to audition," she told Story. She immediately gave up her job when she knew she became the new member of Luv'. "I started to rehearse directly. I learned the lyrics and dance routines. I had to do it because we have a hectic schedule. One week and a half after I was chosen, we had to perform on stage. Day and night I was cramming for this performance. I didn't want to forget the lyrics during the show. I have to work hard but this is what I've always wanted to do. To sing with Luv' and to record an album, this is a dream come true," she added. 

Story - August 3rd, 1990

Other articles followed. In Privé magazine published on September 15th, 1990, Carina explained that she wanted success. "I want to be world-famous like my favourite singer Whitney Houston. I want to work hard for this goal. Luv' is my first big chance. I hope I'll achieve this aim," she asserted.

Scans (click on the images to enlarge them):

Veronica Magazine - September 8th, 1990

Privé - September 15th, 1990

NHD - Schager Courant - September 2nd, 1990

Marga Scheide was in the spotlight in De Telegraaf published on September 12th, 1990. The blonde and classy lady discussed her glamorous house in Naarden, the Netherlands. 

De Telegraaf - September 12th, 1990 - click on the image to enlarge it

Click here to read the article online

The announcement of Carina as a new Luv' singer coincided with the end of the trio's contract with Dureco Records and the signature of a deal with RCA Records. The October 8th, 1990 edition of Algemeen Dagblad mentioned this transfer. "We've signed a new record deal with RCA. Carina Lemoine replaced Michelle. She can be heard on our new single "Hasta Mañana" which will come out in a couple of weeks," Marga Scheide said.

Algemeen Dagblad - October 8th, 1990 - Click on the image to enlarge it

Click here to read the article online

The renewed Luv' trio recorded a Latin pop single entitled Hasta Mañana written and produced by Marga Scheide and her partner, Jacques Zwart (aka E. Mergency). 

Front cover of the 7" single of Hasta Mañana by Luv'

Released by RCA Records in October 1990

A side: Hasta Mañana (Hé Kanjer!) - 3:57

B side: Hasta Mañana (Hé Guapo!) - 3:57

Song written by E.Mergency and Marga Scheide

Former Luv' singer Ria Thielsch (who worked in the fashion industry) was in charge of the group's styling for this record. 

Pictures edited by Co Rnz (click on the photos to enlarge them):

Ria Thielsch and Luv' backstage at Veronica's Sportgala taped at the Eurocircuit in Valkenswaard (1990)

Article about Ria collaborating with Luv' in Story (1990) 

During the autumn of 1990, Luv' promoted Hasta Mañana in the media (including TV performances on Sportgala (Veronica), Tineke (Veronica) and 5 Uur Show (RTL 4). Despite this exposure, the single didn't enter the hit parade. Though chart success was a distant memory, Luv' gave many live performances (private parties, corporate events, public shows, festivals...) and were present on the small screen. 

Source: Martin Vink, Co Rnz, Luv' weblog archives, Delpher Kranten, Facebook (Siegfried Stelte)...

Patty Brard's first children's book to come out on October 22nd!

Patty Brard's first children's book entitled "Bibi & Lulu: Het is feest!" will come out on October 22nd. The publication is based on her two little dogs Bibi & Lulu and the diaries that her husband Antoine van de Vijver has kept for twelve years and a half. 

The story is about two dogs who live alternately in the Netherlands and in Ibiza with "mom and dad". When they are on the Spanish island, Bibi & Lulu make new friends but they have to leave them when they return to the Netherlands. A special party and a surprise are waiting for them there!

Click here to get information about the book and to order a copy.

Earlier this year, Patty launched the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of Bibi & Lulu (see news posted on June 21st, 2020). Recently, Lulu was severely ill and had to be euthanized. The former Luv' singer cancelled the euthanasia at the very last moment after Lulu got better. La Brard told the details about this miracle in a message posted on Instagram (see news posted on September 14th, 2020). 

Source: Moon, De Telegraaf, Shownieuws, RTL Boulevard

Patty Brard on Shownieuws: latest viewing figures

Patty Brard backstage at Shownieuws - September 25th, 2020 (Instagram)

Here are the latest viewing figures of SBS6's entertainment news program Shownieuws (featuring Patty Brard as a showbiz expert):

• September 19th: 466.000 viewers/market share: 14.2%
• September 25th: 289.000 viewers/market share: 9.8%

Source: SBS6, SKO

Piv Huvluv's Vinylvreter tour (featuring Marga Scheide as a guest artist): updates

Last Spring, Marga Scheide took everybody by surprise when she told De Telegraaf that she would join Flemish comedian Piv Huvluv on his Vinylvreter tour on some dates in autumn through Flanders, Belgium (see news posted on April 30th, 2020). Flemish newspaper KW (De Krant van West-Vlaanderen) also published an article about this surprising collaboration (see news posted on May 20th, 2020). Dutch celebrity gossip magazine Privé wrote about Marga's Belgian premiere being confirmed (see news posted on June 14th, 2020). 

Piv Huvluv's official website has recently provided updates about Marga's guest performances. Click here to read Piv & Marga's agenda. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, two dates have been postponed. Here are details about 4 performances:

• September 25th, 2020 at 8.00 pm. Location: CC DE Schakel in Waregem, Belgium. The show is postponed. No new date set yet.
• September 26th, 2020 at 8.00 pm. Location: Meeting and Event Center Staf Versluys in Bredene, Belgium. The show is postponed. No new date set yet.
• October 15th,  2020 at 8.00 pm. Location: Stadsschouwburg in Brugge, Belgium. Sold out. Waiting List.  Covid-19 measures. 
• October 31st, 2020 at 8.00 pm. Location: CC Scharpoord in Knokke-Heist, Belgium. Some tickets are available by phone or at the ticket office. 

Source: Pivhuvluv.be

Reissue of Herinnering by Bonnie & José: latest updates

A crowdfunding campaign for the reissue of the Herinnering album by Bonnie St. Claire & José Hoebee was launched on January 20th. Four days later, the "Herinnering" Facebook page (which promotes this initiative) announced that the target was reached and that the album would be released on CD/DVD (see news posted on January 27th, 2020). 

The Dutch crowdfunding site voordekunst.nl recently mentioned updates about this project:

"All loose ends seem to come together for the release of the CD/DVD set ‘Herinnering’ by Bonnie & José. The audio master is in its final stages; the DVD master is almost ready too and the design for the cover and booklet are getting its final corrections.

In this update, we can proudly reveal the cover to you!

In the archives of star photographer Govert de Roos only a select number of photos could be found from the session for the album cover. The majority of the photos from that session probably ended up in the archives of RCA Records. In the past 35 years that record company was part of several mergers, which made the photo material untraceable.

How wonderful is it that Govert de Roos rediscovered this particular photo in his own archive. Marinus de Graaf worked on the cover design with respect for the original. “I used the same components as on the LP, but with a modern twist”, he explains about the design.

As you can see the CD/DVD ‘Herinnering’ receives the beautiful and stylish look that it certainly deserves.  The CD/DVD might come out in November"

In December 1985, RCA Records initially put out "Herinnering". The LP consisted of Dutch cover versions of ABBA songs recorded by Bonnie St. Claire and José Hoebee. This opus featured two Dutch Top 40 hits: "Cassandra" and "Zoals Vrienden Doen" (The Way Old Friends Do). Click here to read a detailed article about the original release of Herinnering. 

Source: Facebook (Herinnering - Bonnie & José), Voordekunst.nl

Patricia calls Patty and gets over the golden shower scandal

Recently, on SBS6's entertainment news program Shownieuws, Patty Brard told that Dutch pop icon and singer Patricia Paay called her after the announcement of her reconciliation with her daughter Priscilla. 

According to the former Luv' singer, Patricia got over the golden shower scandal that caused sensation in the Netherlands three years ago (see news posted on February 15th, 2017). Due to this disgrace, La Brard distanced herself from La Paay. Patricia insinuated that Dutch entrepreneur Maarten Oostvogel leaked the sex video online. At the time, Oostvogel collaborated with Patty on a corrective underwear line. Previously, he worked with Patricia on another underwear line. Due to tensions, their partnership ended and the two divas were not on speaking terms. 

Last year, the ladies buried the hatchet during the opening of Gordon's hamburger restaurant (see news posted on April 14th, 2019). Despite this reunion, Patty told unflattering stories about Patricia in her best-selling biography published earlier this year: she admitted that she forwarded Miss Paay's sex tape to her contacts after she received it. Moreover, Patty revealed that Gordon supported Patricia secretly and financially.

But the feud between the two legendary media personalities is over now. During her last phone call with Patricia, Patty appreciated her joy of living. "You should listen to the way she speaks now. She was so happy for me. It's so nice how she overcame her problems," Miss Brard explained on Shownieuws. 

Source: SBS6, Mediacourant.nl

Patty Brard on Shownieuws: latest viewing figures

Here are the latest viewing figures of SBS6's entertainment news program Shownieuws (featuring Patty Brard as a showbiz expert):

• September 12th: 365.000 viewers/market share: 11.5%
• September 16th: 318.000 viewers/market share: 12%

Source: SBS6, SKO

Party magazine: Patty Brard Vs Rachel Hazes

The latest issue of Party magazine features an article about Patty Brard criticizing Rachel Hazes. Recently, during a broadcast of SBS6's entertainment news program Shownieuws, the diva disapproved the way Rachel behaved within her family (see news posted on August 29th, 2020). Patty and Rachel used to click very well. But things started to get worse after Miss Brard's wedding six years ago. Will the ladies reconcile? That's the question.

Source: Party

Luv's Trojan Horse on "Het beste van... 50 jaar TopPop"

Luv' & The Beatrix Pipe Band (1978)

This year, AVRO's iconic music TV show TopPop celebrates its 50th anniversary. Luv' appeared 29 times on this legendary TV program during their heyday (see article posted on August 17th, 2020). To celebrate its Golden Jubilee, AVROTROS/NPO3 recently broadcast a special show entitled "Het beste van... 50 jaar TopPop" in five parts. The September 2nd episode (which drew 546.000 viewers (market share: 9%) included an excerpt from Luv's Trojan Horse (originally taken from the TROS special All You Need Is Luv' which aired on November 19th, 1978). 

Dutch celebrities discussed Luv's classic hit on TopPop. Record producer Eric van Tijn told that Trojan Horse was the "perfect record made for campsites" (campgrounds being a key element of the Dutch popular culture) and that "everybody loved this kind of music". 

Eric van Tijn

Fashion designer Janice laughed at the music video for Trojan Horse when he saw two Smurfs next to the Luv' ladies. 

Janice

Luv' & The Smurfs

Radio DJ Eva Koreman said: "I like the fact that they sing about a Trojan Horse, they use Scottish bagpipes...in Amsterdam!". Van Tijn added: "Who would have expected this track to be a hit with these bagpipes? It was something unusual and a brilliant idea". Koreman also asserted: "This is soooo Patty Brard!". It's a pity that the majority of media people always talk about La Brard and ignore the two other members of the group (Marga Scheide and José Hoebee). This is certainly due to Patty's strong presence in the media. The so-called diva probably uses her influence to boycott her former Luv' colleagues on Dutch national television. Anyways...Luv' was mentioned in this 50th-anniversary TV show and that's what matters!

Click here to watch "Het beste van... 50 jaar Toppop" (the item about Trojan Horse is at 24:10). 

Source: AVROTROS, NPO 3, SKO

40th anniversary: Ria Thielsch as a permanent member of Luv'!!!

Luv'  in 1980: José Hoebee, Marga Scheide & Ria Thielsch

Exactly 40 years ago, on September 16th, 1980, the announcement of Ria Thielsch as a permanent replacement for Patty Brard was on the front page of Dutch most-read newspaper De Telegraaf.

De Telegraaf - September 16th, 1980. Click on the image to enlarge it

Click here to read the article online. Ria Thielsch's name was misspelt.

De Telegraaf ("Privé" - entertainment section) - September 16th, 1980 (part 2). Click on the image to enlarge it. Click here to read the article online.

In the summer of 1980, Dutch girl group Luv' was in a mess. Patty Brard's sudden departure caused turmoil (see article posted on July 26th, 2020). The girls were busy promoting their latest single "One More Little Kissy". They had big plans for the future: a promo tour in Russia, the participation in the Yamaha Music Festival in Japan, the shooting of a TV series as well as stage and TV performances. All these projects had to be cancelled due to Patty's escape. The remaining Luv' ladies and their entourage were hoping for Miss Brard's comeback. They communicated with the enfant terrible through lawyers. Behind the scenes, Luv's manager Pim ter Linde recruited a Patty lookalike: photo model Ria Thielsch (see article posted on August 23rd, 2020). The idea was to hire her for some shows as the owner of a club in Zevenhuizen, the Netherlands wanted to sue Luv' if they didn't perform in his venue. To avoid the penalty, Ria rehearsed with Marga Scheide and José Hoebee. The first gig of the new line-up was a success but Ter Linde continued auditions with other candidates. At some point, Luv's team even considered the recruitment of Dutch pop singer Anita Meyer as well as a male singer: actor Rick Luyckx. But this decision would have been damaging to the trio's concept and the public would not accept it. 

Anita Meyer is a fantastic solo singer but her style and repertoire didn't fit with Luv'

Luv's manager and producers considered the recruitment of Rik Luyckx to replace Patty Brard. Fortunately, it didn't happen.

Finally in mid-September 1980, when it became clear that Patty would not come back, Ria was allowed to be a permanent member of Luv'. The media wrote about this line-up change. Even the notorious Billboard magazine mentioned it in its October 11th,1980 edition. The tabloid press published articles about her background. Ria was born in Manokwari, West Papua/Indonesia, on August 25th, 1951. She started her modeling career in the late 1960s. In 1978/1979, she was part of "Ricardo & The Flames", a group which released a single that flopped. 

Press clippings (click on the images to enlarge them):

Hitkrant - September 11th, 1980

Hitkrant - September 11th, 1980 (part 2)

Muziek Parade - September 1980

Limburgsch dagblad - September 17th, 1980

Click here to read the article online

Algemeen Dagblad - September 17th, 1980

Click here to read the article online

Nieuwsblad van het Noorden - September 18th, 1980

Click here to read the article online

Hitkrant - September 18th, 1980

Hitkrant - September 25th, 1980

Hitkrant - September 25th, 1980 (part 2)

Hitkrant - October 2nd, 1980

Billboard magazine - October 11th, 1980

Click here to read the article online

Mix - 1980

Ria's real assessment happened when her charisma was put to the test on television. The viewers discovered the new Luv' girl when she performed "One More Little Kissy" with her colleagues on "Boemerang", a Flemish TV program on BRT channel on September 27th, 1980. 

Luv' on Boemerang (Ria's first TV performance with José and Marga)

Moreover, Luv' intended to represent the Netherlands at the World Popular Song Festival (aka Yamaha Music Festival) with the track "Be My Lover Tonight" in November 1980. However, the ladies cancelled their participation in this competition.

Ria was immediately accepted by the fans. After her introduction to the media and the public, the next phase was the release of a new single and an album. The question was: would Luv' still be popular without Patty? The answer was "yes". But that's another story.....

Bibliography:

The Story of Luv' by Peter Boonstra, 2015

Source: Luv' weblog archives, Ria Thielsch Fan Zone : Forever Yours (Facebook), Delpher.nl, YouTube...