For You by Luv': 30th anniversary

Front cover of "For You"

Photo by Govert de Roos

In November 1989, Luv's mini-album "For You" was released by High Fashion Dance Music/Dureco. It was recorded by the line-up consisting of Marga Scheide (the only original member), Diana van Berlo and Michelle Gold. It included four dance-pop songs released as singles: the chart hit Welcome To My Party (read my article about this track), I Don't Wanna Be Lonely, Girl Like Me and Medley (also entitled Luv Hit-Medley). Let's celebrate the 30th anniversary of For You!!!

History

In the fall of 1989, Luv' made a comeback more than eight years after a first break-up. Original Luv' members José Hoebee and Patty Brard were replaced by Diana van Berlo and British singer Michelle Gold. Marga Scheide (who trademarked the group's name) and her partner, record producer Jacques Zwart (aka E. Mergency) supervised Luv's return.

The release of Luv's single "Welcome To My Party" in early October 1989 was a foretaste of "For You". This song was written by John van Katwijk (who worked previously with Patricia Paay), Marcel Schimscheimer (who collaborated with René Froger) and Ronald Sommer. It was produced by Nigel Wright (an English sought-after professional famous for his productions (including Shakatak, Mirage, Jack Mix and Debbie D) in association with John Smits. Luv' were aiming to match their big Continental European chart success in the late 1970s but they didn't succeed. Welcome To My Party (which sounded like a Stock, Aitken & Waterman single) reached #22 on the Dutch Top 40 and #28 on the Flemish BRT Top 30. 

The next logical step was to put out the six-track mini-album "For You". Nigel Wright was in charge of the production of the CD. Most of the work was done at Wright's Skratch Studios in London while the vocals were recorded at Dureco studio in Weesp, Netherlands. 

For You featured three cover versions:

* No Cure No Pay - a track from Jacques Zwart's back catalogue and originally performed by Dutch singer Florence in 1988. Written and produced by E. Mergency and mixed by Nigel Wright. The original Luv' trio recorded a version of it. After José and Patty left the group, the "new" Luv' re-recorded it. 

* Naughty Boy - originally performed by Italo-house girl group "Macho Gang" in 1988.

* I Don't Wanna Be Lonely - originally performed by R&B and gospel singer Joan Orleans in 1989. A track written by Nigel Stock and produced by Nigel Wright. 

Four songs from For You came out as singles:

- The above-mentioned "Welcome To My Party" in early October 1989 in Benelux.

- I Don't Wanna Be Lonely - released in December 1989 by Dureco in Benelux and in 1990 by Spanish label Clash.

Dutch front cover

Spanish front cover

- Girl Like Me which only came out in Japan in 1990. This track was licensed to Toco/Beaver Records/Alfa International. It was promoted as a Eurobeat song (this style of music was very popular back then on the Asian archipelago). It also was included on Japanese compilations. This strategy to adapt to the Land of the Rising Sun didn't succeed. Nowadays, this single is a rare collector item among Luv's fans.

- Hit-Medley composed from parts of Luv's greatest hits (You're the Greatest Lover, Trojan Horse, Ooh, Yes I Do, Casanova and U.O.Me) re-recorded by Marga, Diana and Michelle. It appears on the B-side of some pressings of "Welcome To My Party" and was licensed to RCA/BMG in Germany in 1990. 

The release of "For You" was announced on the November 11th, 1989 issue of the Pan-European trade magazine "Music & Media":

Another article was published on December 2nd, 1989 in "Music & Media":

Photography

Govert de Roos (who photographed the who's who of Dutch and international pop-rock artists) took beautiful pictures for the album cover. 

Tracklisting

For You - released in November 1989 by  Dureco/High Fashion Dance Music

1. "Welcome to My Party" - 3:00

written by R.Sommer, M. Schimscheimer, J. van Katwijk

2. "Girl Like Me" - 4:12

written by Nigel Stock

3. "I Don't Wanna Be Lonely" - 4:07

written by Nigel Stock

4. "Naughty Boy" - 3:58

written by M. Farina and G. Crivillente

5. "No Cure No Pay" - 3:39

written by E. Mergency 

6. "Medley" (12" Version) - 7:14

written by Janschen & Janschens

To know details about the album: click here

Album credits

Marga Scheide, Diana van Berlo and Michelle Gold - vocals recorded at Dureco Studio in Weesp, Netherlands

Nigel Wright, Nigel Stock, John Smits, E. Mergency - synthesizers, keyboards, sequencing, programming at Skratch Studios in London

Welcome To My Party, Naughty Boy and No Cure No Pay - co-produced by Nigel Wright and John Smits 

Girl Like Me and I Don't Wanna Be Lonely - co-produced by Nigel Wright - arranged by Nigel Stock - engineered by Robin Sellars in London

Medley - co-produced by Margret - arranged by E. Mergency

Design: Bart Falkmann

Photography: Govert de Roos

Back cover of For You

High Fashion/Dureco released a limited edition of For You as a box set including a CD and a cassette: 

Currently, the For You mini-album is available on the major digital platforms (including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, YouTube and Spotify). 

Source: Luv' blog archives, Discogs.com, YouTube, Music & Media archives (https://americanradiohistory.com)

Welcome To My Party by Luv': 30th anniversary!!!

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', Michelle was 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) and Princess. 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

Michelle Gold: once a Luv' girl, always a Luv' girl...

30th anniversary of Michelle Gold as a member of Luv'

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

Photo edited by Co Rnz

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. 

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 wanted to concentrate on her TV career: she signed a contract with the newly created RTL Veronique channel. A replacement had to be found. Marga recruited 28-year-old Michelle Gold, a talented vocalist from the UK.

Prior to Luv', Michelle was an experienced 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) and Princess. She also performed with Serge Gainsbourg,  Evelyn "Champagne" King, Run DMC and Madonna. 

On August 14th, 1989, Holland's most-read newspaper De Telegraaf presented the new line-up of Luv' (featuring Michelle Gold for the first time):

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. 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 TROS program "Grote Club Show".

* September 29th, 1989: Welcome To My Party on Grote Club Show (TROS), Netherlands

The Dutch tabloid press paid attention once again to Luv' and provided information about Michelle (her artistic past and her motherhood (she had a 10-year old son named Teo). 

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

Veronica Magazine - September 23rd, 1989

 Hitkrant, October 14th, 1989

De Telegraaf, October 20th, 1989

Story, February 9th, 1990 (article about Teo, Michelle's son)

In February 1990, Luv' performed at a student hall of residence in Leiden, Netherlands. Prince Friso attended the show. Michelle and the hip member of the Royal Family clicked.

Luv' in Hitkrant - February 10th, 1990

Click here to read the article online

Story, February 16th, 1990

"Welcome to my party" entered the Dutch Top 40 on October 21st, 1989 and later peaked at #22. It also reached #19 on the Nationale Hitparade in the Netherlands and the 28th position on the BRT Top 30 in Belgium. 

Luv' performed the track on several TV shows :

* October 20th, 1989: Linda (TROS), Netherlands

* October 20th, 1989: Berg (RTL-Véronique), Netherlands

* October 21st, 1989: Top 40 (Veronica), Netherlands

* Unknown broadcast date in late 1989: Pak De Poen (BRT 1), Belgium

* November 1st, 1989: B.O.O.S (Veronica), Netherlands

* 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

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":

Another article was published on December 2nd, 1989 in "Music & Media":

In late 1989, Luv' and other Dutch pop acts (Desirée, Justian & Mandy, MC Miker G, Marjon, Nando, Oscare, Sisters) joined forces in the "All Stars" project to raise funds for third world children. They recorded a cover version of Starmaker (originally performed by The Kids from Fame in 1982) and released it as a charity single (which peaked at #57 on the Nationale Hitparade in Holland). 


On December 18th 1989, a TV special "Muziek in Natura" (taped in Sri Lanka and featuring I Don't Wanna Be Lonely, Girl Like Me and Welcome To My Party) aired on AVRO.

AVRO Bode - December 1989

 TV Magazine, December 1989

Meanwhile, Mercury/Phonogram Records (in charge of the back catalogue of the initial trio) released a megamix ("Luv' Hitpack") conceived by the then successful producer and remixer Peter "Hithouse" Slaghuis in December 1989. This megamix was included on a CD compilation ("Greatest Hits") which came out in early 1990 and which featured tracks from the late 1970s. Marga, Diana, Michelle and their record company, Dureco were furious with these releases. The ladies were afraid it might ruin their efforts to promote Luv's new material. 

Story, late 1989

The next single was entitled "I Don't Wanna Be Lonely" and released in December 1989. It was a cover version of a club hit by Joan Orleans but it flopped. The girls performed the song on the Veronica TV show "Nederland Muziekland" on February 3rd, 1990.

Then Dureco Records licensed "Girl Like Me", a track taken from the "For You" mini-album, to the Japanese label Alfa International. It was promoted as a "Eurobeat" song (this music style was popular back then in the Asian archipelago) and was included on Japanese compilations. This strategy to conquer the "Land of the Rising Sun" did not succeed. 

Luv' tried to recapture the joyful sound of the original line-up with the follow-up single: "Hit-Medley" (released in German-speaking countries in 1990 by RCA/BMG).

Weekend, April 21st, 1990

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

Story, June 29th, 1990

Despite Michelle's departure from Luv', Marga and Diana wanted to go on and searched for a new Luv' singer. But that's another story...

De Telegraaf, July 12th, 1990

Backstage pictures (photo courtesy of Martin Vink & Arnold Kroone): 

Martin and Luv'

The fans lost trace of Michelle Gold...until recently.

The beautiful and talented British lady has two profiles on the internet:

* First as a successful fashion stylist working under her first name Rachel Gold:

Website: https://www.rachelgoldstylist.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelGold3

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelgoldstylist_/

* Then as a vocalist under her stage name Michelle Gold. In late 2018, she launched a website, Twitter and Instagram accounts as well as a Facebook page to promote her new activities. Michelle now performs with the jazz fusion-soul band "Red Heads". She plans to put out an EP soon.

Michelle Gold's website: click here to see it.

Michelle's SoundCloud: click here to listen to her music.

Michelle's Facebook page: click here to read her posts.

Michelle's Instagram account: click here to see photos.

Michelle's YouTube channel: click here to watch videos.

Michelle's Twitter account: click here to read her tweets.

Source: Michellegoldmusic.com, Rachelgoldstylist.com, Discogs.com, Beeld en Geluid, Music & Media archives (https://americanradiohistory.com), Luv' weblog archives, Martin Vink, Co Rnz...