Last week's issue of Story magazine features an article about Luv's father and legendary record producer Hans van Hemert. Click here to read an excerpt. The Music Maestro is ill again, fourteen years after prostate cancer was first diagnosed. Hans was afraid when all of a sudden his hip started to ache. "I've suffered from pain for weeks. I thought I would die. I was sure I just had two months to live. I thought the tumour spread all over my body. So I called the doctor. I know this is a chronic form of cancer. It's not getting better. But you can live with it when it's under control," Hans said.
"I underwent a PSA testing and the results were quite good. It was fantastic news...My medicine does a goob job. I was reassured. I didn't feel the pain in my hip and I went for a 70-kilometer ride on my bike with my cycling club...I'll have to take this medicine forever but it's okay to me. I know I can live this way for several years," Hans added.
His partner Willy Betist has been a great comfort to him.
The latest issue of the celebrity gossip magazine Weekend Zomerspecial (summer edition) features an article about Luv's father and legendary record producer Hans van Hemert. In addition to his house in Blaricum, the Netherlands, the music Maestro is renting two villas out: one in Marthomis, South of France (€1750 per week) and one in Bali, Indonesia (€2050 per week). Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, tourists cancelled their stay at Van Hemert's holiday homes and they all received a refund. At the moment, no profits are made. However, personnel and maintenance costs are maintained. How long will this uncomfortable situation last?
Click on the images to enlarge them and to read the article:
Marga Scheide & Hans van Hemert at the release party of "The Story of Luv" book in 2015
Recently, Dutch celebrity gossip magazine Weekend featured an article about Hans van Hemert criticizing Marga Scheide's latest music project: a guest appearance during six shows of Flemish comedian Piv Huvluv as part of his Vinylvreter tour.
Last Spring, De Telegraaf revealed Marga's new plans after Luv's break-up (see news posted on April 30th, 2020).
Hans van Hemert (who launched Luv' in 1976) reacted negatively to Marga performing in Belgium. As a sensationalist publication, Weekend mentioned Miss Scheide's collaboration with Piv Huvluv as a "solo project" whereas the former Luv' singer was only meant to be a guest artist. In addition to Luv' songs, she will perform Bob Dylan's tracks.
Van Hemert could not believe what he heard when he first knew about the blonde vocalist's plans. "Honestly I first thought it was a joke when I knew that Marga wanted to go solo," the Music Maestro told Weekend. "What a crazy idea! Luv's success was due to the ladies' voices especially José's one plus the charisma of the two other members. Marga cannot manage it vocally on her own," he added. Marga had a specific role within Luv' according to Hans: "She just sang along to Luv's songs. I don't say that she cannot sing but seriously I thought it was a gag. She is going to sing Bob Dylan's songs...If it was for a comedy, I would understand it. Now I'm laughing at it".
Hans' comments are very disappointing. It seemed that Marga and he had buried the hatchet after a long feud. The legendary record producer publicly talked about his intention to conceive a Luv' musical. But because Marga (who trademarked the group's name in 1989) blocked initially his project, the Pygmalion and his former protégée were not on good terms. Earlier this year, Margagave the green light to Van Hemert's Luv' musical.(see news posted on March 28th, 2020).
Moreover, due to the current Covid-19 crisis in Belgium, Piv Huvluv's tour might be postponed or cancelled. To this day, it is not sure that Marga's guest appearance will take place. According to the comedian's official website, the situation might be clarified after mid-August.
The latest issue of Dutch celebrity gossip magazine Party features an article about Hans van Hemert and his long-time project: a Luv' musical.
In the 2000s, as the Mamma Mia! musical (based on ABBA songs) was a huge global sensation, rumours about a music show (including Luv' classic hits) were circulating in the Dutch showbiz. But nothing materialized.
In the autumn of 2016, Hans van Hemert (who produced popular singles such as "You're the Greatest Lover", "Trojan Horse" and "Casanova") publicly talked about his intention to conceive a Luv' musical. Last year, he told De Telegraaf that he was approached by Dutch theatrical producers Joop van den Ende and Hans Cornelissen. Van den Ende denied that he contacted Van Hemert (see news posted on February 2nd, 2020). Moreover, Marga Scheide, who trademarkedLuv's name, blocked Van Hemert's project (see news posted on February 1st, 2020).
After months of hesitation, Marga recently gave the green light to Van Hemert's plan. Luv's father believes in the potential of his musical. "During the funfair last summer in Blaricum at Moeke Spijkstra, my partner Willy Betist and I attended Luv's performance. Everybody from young to old people knew the songs and sang along to them. It was crazy and fantastic. That's why it's a pity that the Luv' phenomenon stopped," the Maestro told Party.
In addition to his wonderful Luv' project, Hans van Hemert is also busy with a biography written by Wim Jordaan.
Recently, Dutch pop singer Frans Bauer has been accused of plagiarism. His latest single "Leugentje om bestwil" sounds like "Meidengroep" by Kinderen voor Kinderen (a track produced by the former Luv's Pygmalion Hans van Hemert which peaked at #11 on the Dutch Top 40 and #8 on the Nationale Hitparade in 1983).
Frans Bauer - Leugentje Om Bestwil
Meidengroep - Kinderen voor Kinderen
According to SBS 6's infotainment program "6 Inside", an agreement was reached. Hans van Hemert and Jeff Weber (who wrote Bauer's new track) will share the profits of the controversial song. Frans confirmed this news in a recent interview posted on the website of De Telegraaf.
Frans Bauer interviewed by Maarten Steendam for De Telegraaf
The recruitment of Chimène van Oosterhout as a Luv' singer caused a chain reaction. At first, Ria Thielsch criticized her former colleagues Marga Scheide and José Hoebee. Patty Brard wished all the best to the "new Luv'" and later she blamed Marga and José (see previous post). Yesterday, Luv's father Hans van Hemert told he was approached by Dutch theatrical producers Joop van den Ende and Hans Cornelissen to write a musical à la Mamma Mia including Luv's hits. Because Marga trademarked Luv's name, this musical would not be possible (see news posted on February 1st, 2019).
In today's edition of De Telegraaf, Joop van den Ende reacts to Hans van Hemert's comments. He said that he was not informed about the project of a musical based on Luv' songs. "I've read that my name was associated with this music show but I want to put the record straight: I've never been busy with this project and I've never approached him for that. If a producer wanted to write a musical with such a repertoire, he would simply do it and he would not need Hans van Hemert. He would pay Mrs. Scheide for the name and Buma/Stemra (Dutch collecting society for composers and music publishers) for the songs. That's it. I've never planned it. But I already worked with his father Willy van Hemert on the TV series "Dagboek van een herdershond". But this man had a higher level," Van den Ende told.
Today's edition of De Telegraaf features an article about Dutch record producer Hans van Hemert in its "Privé" section. Van Hemert launched Luv' in late 1976. He co-wrote the group's songs with Piet Souer between 1977 and 1980. After the bad comments of Ria Thielsch and Patty Brard on Luv', Van Hemert blamed Marga Scheide who trademarked the trio's name in late 1989. The Maestro told that he was approached by Dutch theatrical producers Joop van den Ende and Hans Cornelissen to write a musical à la Mamma Mia including Luv's hits. Because Marga owns the copyright on Luv's name, this musical will never see the light of day.
Yesterday's edition of De Telegraaf (Holland's most-read newspaper) featured an article about Luv's former producer Hans van Hemert who wrote a song entitled "Hold On" for "Adalyn", a new Dutch girl group from Groningen.
The members of this new formation are Sarah Djouad (23), Corina Lascher (25) and Yoriko Kruyning (21). Adalyn is the brainchild of Frederik Nelck who is assisted by Shirley Vecht (in charge of the marketing and PR).
"I was not involved in the creation of this group and the recruitment of the singers. I don't have to think about the fuss due to the launch of such an act. I let other people do it but I wrote the music. It's a nice and fresh act. No piercings, no tattoos. A trio of girls next door. Their first single is called "Hold On" and I even appear in the music video," Hans van Hemert told De Telegraaf.
Other Dutch news websites (AD.nl, NU.nl, DVHN.nl) posted articles about Van Hemert's collaboration with Adalyn.
It's not the first time that Hans writes tracks for girl groups. In addition to Luv' andAdalyn, he wrote songs for Babe in 1981 as well as Lily Marlene and PattyCash (formed by Patty Brard) in the 1990s, Blinq Inc in 2005 and Camee two years ago (see news posted on June 16th, 2016).
Two exceptions to the rule are the Dutch #1 hit "Shine Up" (1980) and the Top 10 song "Dance On" by Doris D & The Pins (1981). Though Van Hemert was credited as one of the songwriters with Piet Souer as "Janschen & Janschens", the Maestro was not involved in the production of these tracks. Actually, these songs were entirely written by Souer and Martin Duiser.
Video about Adalyn and their managers posted on the YouTube channel of RTVOOG
Source: De Telegraaf/Privé, AD.nl, NU.nl, DVHN.nl, RTVOOG, YouTube
The latest issue of Privé magazine features an article about the recent launch party of Nicole's Gooisch Blad (a magazine conceived by Dutch publisher Nicole des Bouvrie, daughter of architect, interior & product designer Jan des Bouvrie). The event was held at the Netherlands Fortress Museum (Nederlands Vestingmuseum) in Naarden, NL. Legendary record producer and Luv's father Hans van Hemert and his partner Willy Betist were among the guests.
Earlier this month, we announced a terrible news: Luv's father and legendary record producer Hans van Hemert fell from a tree as he was cutting a branch in the garden of his house in Marthomis, France. He injured his back and was ferried to hospital in Montpellier by helicopter (see news posted on July 5th, 2017). Thank God Hans survived. He is obliged to wear a corset and needs time to recover.
On July 7th, Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf mentioned Hans' accident in an article published in its "Privé" section.
After this incident, several pictures showing the Maestro in a better shape with friends and family (including his partner Willy) have been posted recently on Facebook.
Marga Scheide, Hans van Hemert and José Hoebee at the press launch of the photo book "The Story of Luv" at the Wisseloord studios in Hilversum on May 1st, 2015
The latest issue of Story magazine features an article about Hans van Hemert, the songwriter and producer who launched Luv' more than 40 years ago. He has been in conflict with Marga Scheide for a long time due to the fact that she trademarked Luv's name in late 1989 "behind his back". However he won't sue his former protégée.
"At the moment I have something else in mind. I'm fighting against cancer. Even if it wasn't the case, I wouldn't have buried the hatchet," Hans said. "A couple of months ago I decided to let the situation how it was. I asked my lawyer not to sue Marga. I'm sick and tired of my problems with her. After I found ou what she had done I made several attempts to improve the situation," he added.
Marga reacted in Story: "I've never closed the door to Hans. In recent years we talked in order to work out our difficulties. Recently I met him at a tennis court. We spoke to each other and I had the feeling that Hans let go of everything".
Yesterday, Ivo Niehe's TV Show on AVROTROS/NPO 1 featured an interview with legendary record producer and songwriter Hans van Hemert. The program was high in the ratings and drew 1.553.000 viewers (market share: 24.2%). It reached #4 on SKO's Dag Top 25 (the daily list of the 25 most-watched programs (conceived by Dutch audience measurement company Stichting KijkOnderzoek).
Luv's father was straightforward during his conversation with Ivo.
Hans comes from a very artistic family. His father was TV director Willy van Hemert (1912 - 1993) who wrote the lyrics of two winning Dutch songs for the Eurovision Song Contest ("Net als toen" performed by Corry Brokken in 1957 and "Een beetje" performed by Teddy Scholten in 1959). His brother was film director Ruud van Hemert (who passed away in 2012). Ruud reached his peak with movies like Schaatjes! (1984) and Mama is boos (1986) which were box office-hits in the Netherlands. His other sibblings are also artists: sister Ellen and brother Eric are both actors and painters. Before the broadcast of his interview with Hans, Ivo mentioned the highlights of his career (the international success of Mouth & MacNeal and Luv', "The Elephant Song" (Frank Sinatra was supposed to record it but Australian singer Kamahl performed it and had a #1 hit with it in Holland in 1975). The interview was taped in Hans' house in Blaricum, NL. Van Hemert's trademark is the use of easy lyrics ("Nanana" or "Shananana") on some of his classic hits ("How do you do?" by Mouth & MacNeal (1971), "Als het om de liefde gaat" by Sandra & Andres (1972) or "You're the Greatest Lover" by Luv' (1978) The iconic producer discussed his misfortune in business (tax evasion issues, misappropriation of funds by one of his lawyers....). Hans also talked about his difficult relationship with his father (who got married five times and preferred to focus on his work and his love life rather than being interested in his children). When he received his Buma Lifetime Achievement Award recently (see news posted on March 7th, 2017), he dedicated his prize to his late wife Pauck (the mother of his two older daughters who died 18 years ago). Now he is happy with his partner, a classy lady named Willy (who appeared briefly on the show). She said that their favourite place was their house in Marthomis, South France.
Hans and Willy
Hans also told funny stories about his parrot Jaap. He revealed a behind-the-scenes fact about "Wij houden van Oranje" (a cult football song performed by André Hazes to support the Netherlands national soccer team at the UEFA Euro 1988). This track was initially intended for Willeke Alberti. Hans discussed his health issues. Once again, he has problems with his prostate cancer and will soon undergo a radiation therapy. This bad news has been covered today by several celebrity news websites (De Telegraaf, Shownieuws, Weekend...). Click here to watch TV Show (the interview starts at 27:08). Shortly after the broadcast of the program, José Hoebee reacted on her Facebook page and posted this message: "I've just watched Hans van Hemert on Ivo Niehe's show....Nice....We are still happy about the fact that Piet Souer and him took us to the top. We were a perfect combination....Their songs and our presentation...I had to laugh about his "Shananana" story...I was the lady who didn't agree with these lyrics....Anytime I commented on them, he said: "It's catchy and that's what it's all about"....He was so right....Despite troubles all through the years, one thing remains the same....Our appreciation for what Piet and him did...and how we had success together and we still carry on. I rarely post something about myself and Luv'....But after this interview I want to post this one....Hans knows why....Good night and see you later..." José put a video of "Mother of the hearts" online. This track appeared on the Luv's fourth album "Forever Yours" in 1980. This emotional ballad deal with Hans' tough childhood.
Luv': Mother of the Hearts (1980)
Moreover, the April issue of Dutch magazine "Gooisch Blad" features an article about the life of the Maestro entitled "Ode to Pauck van Hemert" (Thanks Marco for the tip!!!).
Today's edition of De Telegraaf (Holland's most popular newspaper) features an article about Hans van Hemert in its "Privé" section. Last week, the former Luv' producer received a "Buma Lifetime Achievement Award" (see news posted on March 7th, 2017). It was not the only reason why he left his villa in Bali to go back to Holland. The legendary hit maker also came to his motherland because he had blood in urine.
Ten years ago, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent surgery. Five years ago, a rest of a tumor seemed to expand again. Another operation followed and Hans felt better. But then there was blood in his urine. It wasn't due to his prostate cancer but to a harmless form of cancer in his bladder. A third operation was planned. Now Hans seems to be healed. He enjoys life with his partner Willy.
Yesterday, Dutch record producer and songwriter Hans van Hemert won the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the latest Buma Awards (the most prestigious music ceremony in the Netherlands). Congratulations!!!
This prize rewards the maestro's oustanding contribution to Dutch music.
Van Hemert's acceptance speech
Hans' backstage interview
After a standing ovation, Hans van Hemert gave an emotional speech. "I've always tried to stay in the shadow but tonight I don't succeed. Now I have this prize. I'm very honored," he said. Click here to listen to his talk.
Earlier today, he gave an interview on TinekeShow (Tineke de Nooij's program on MAX/NPO Radio 5). Click here to listen to it.
Hans is the father of Luv'. Between 1977 and 1981, Luv' scored hit after hit in Holland and abroad ("U.O.Me", "You're the Greatest Lover", "Trojan Horse", "Casanova", "Ooh, Yes I Do"....).
Moreover, he produced hits for many other artists and bands (Q65, The Motions, Ro-d-ys, Zen, Group 1850, Big Wheel, Sommerset, Cardinal Point, Ramses Shaffy and Liesbeth List, Sandra & Andres, Mouth & MacNeal, Kamahl, American Gypsy, Vulcano, André Hazes, Glennis Grace...). He also composed three songs for the Eurovision Song Contest: "Als het om de liefde gaat" by Sandra & Andres (#4 in 1972), "Ik Zie Een Ster" ("I See A Star") by Mouth & MacNeal in 1974 (#3) and "The Party's Over" by Sandra Reemer (#9 in 1976).
His best selling production is "How do you do" by Mouth & MacNeal (from 1971). This classic pop song hit the number one spot in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland and New Zealand. It reached #5 in Germany and #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the USA (where it sold one million copies alone). This track has been covered and sampled on many occasions.
Hans van Hemert's best productions
Hans collected 40 gold and platinum records as well as several trophies including:
two Conamus Export Prizes: in 1972 (with Mouth & MacNeal) and in 1979 (with Luv').
a Gouden Harp (Golden Harp) in 1974 for his talents as a producer.
an ASCAP award in the United States for the song "How Do You Do" by Mouth & MacNeal.
He still has a music production company located in Laren, NL. In addition to the exploitation of an impressive back catalogue, Van Hemert's studio also releases jingles, TV tunes, children's music and music downloads.
Hans also spends time in his houses in the south of France and Bali, Indonesia with family and friends.
Source: Buma, NOS, De Telegraaf, RTL Nieuws, ANP, Facebook....
Today's edition of Dutch most popular newspaper "De Telegraaf" features an article about Luv' in its "Privé" section.
Legendary producer Hans van Hemert (who created Luv' forty years ago) has lost the war against Marga Scheide. He is furious at the blonde singer of the trio after she trademarked the group's name in late 1989. He is not able to continue his fight to get the copyright on Luv' back because of his lack of money.
"I've lost all my millions," Hans says. "It took a long time to find a moment to talk about this touchy issue. Two years ago I went to Marga's house in Naarden and I tried to explain in a very friendly way that I was the only one who had the right to own Luv's name. But Marga didn't agree. She said I should have been happy that she copyrighted the name of the trio. Otherwise someone else would have use it. We discussed about it for hours. We planned another meeting in a café. Marga didn't come and instead she sent Luv's manager Walter van der Schaff. Now I give up the fight. I have nothing to do with Luv' anymore. My finances are too limited and I can't afford a long lawsuit," he adds.
Hans declares he is not rich anymore. "The only reason why I keep my head above water is that I wrote so many hits. I still earn money with my back catalogue but I didn't do it in the most efficient way. For example Harry van Hoof and me are credited as the songwriters of "How do you do" by Mouth & MacNeal. Actually Harry didn't contribute to the songwriting but at the time we decided to put our two names on the songs. I wrote all the hits of Luv' whereas I share them with Piet Souer," the Maestro explains.
In the 1980s, Hans was facing tax evasion problems and he tells he was misled by his lawyer. That's why he lost a huge part of his fortune.
Nowadays he possesses a house in the South of France and another one in Indonesia. He stills produces music in his studio and runs his own production company.
In the meantime, the Luv' ladies perform successfully. There have been plans about a Luv' musical. "Because I don't own Luv's name, there is nothing I can do," he says. A composer and a theatre director wanted to make a musical about my whole career and a producer wanted to film the story of Luv'. So many things happened at the time. It's a wonderful story. Imagine that these projects see the light of day and that Miss Scheide takes advantage of them. I don't want it.
According to the trademark office, Marga registered Luv's name for soaps, perfumes and cosmetics. The registration is valid until November 27th, 2019.
The latest issue of Dutch celebrity gossip magazine "Privé" features pictures of the society lunch "Rock around the Castle" which took place last month at the Kasteel De Wittenburg in Wassenaar, South Holland (see news posted on June 21st, 2016). Luv' lead singer José Hoebee attended this event. Legendary record producer Hans van Hemertand his latest protégées Yente Eijsker and Iris de Schepper (of Dutch girl group Camee) were present too.
Two weeks ago, Luv' announced their comeback in the media (see news posted on March 16th, 2016). But there's already a new cloud on the horizon. This time Patty Brard has nothing to do with it.
The latest issue of Dutch celebrity gossip magazine "Privé" features an interview with Hans van Hemert.
Luv's father, songwriter and producermight file a lawsuit against Marga Scheide. In 1976, he created the girl group, recruited three lovely girls and thought of the name of the trio. In 1989, Marga relaunched Luv' with a new line-up and trademarked the name. Since then, it has always been a bitter pill for Van Hemert to swallow.
At the moment, Marga is on holidays in India. When she's back in Holland, the ladies and their former pygmalion might have a talk. Hopefully this sad news won't overshadow the resurrection of Luv'.
Earlier today Privé TV talked about this hot topic:
The latest issue of Privé magazine features an article about Luv's record producer and pygmalion Hans van Hemert. The maestro was photographed and interviewed with his family in his house in the South of France. He discussed several subjects (his happiness, love, family and Peter Boonstra's book "The Story of Luv" (that Patty Brard wants to forbid).
Moreover, Cloud 9 Music has released a new cover of "How do you do?" (originally performed by Mouth & MacNeal and produced by Hans in 1971). Dutch band Hill Valley (featuring lead singer Bjørgen van Essen) recorded a fabulous version of this pop classic. The track was produced by Martijn Spierenburg (of symphonic rock band Within Temptation).
The latest issue of Privé Magazine features an article on Hans van Hemertreviewing the past 35 years of Luv'. The producer brought José, Patty and Marga together. In early 1978, Dutch TV channel VPRO commissioned him to write the theme song for the TV series "Het is weer zo laat (Waldolala)". Then TV director Wim van der Linden suggested him to let it record by Luv'. At first, Van Hemert wasn't convinced by this idea as the group's first singles "My Man" and "Dream, Dream" didn't achieve the desired results. "U.O.Me (Welcome to Waldolala)" became an instant hit and was the ladies' breakthrough. The rest is history.
