1980 was a year of transition for Luv' (see Chapter IV of the biography). After the girls won a Conamus Export award for being the best selling Dutch recording act abroad, they scored two hit singles on the charts: Ann-Maria and One More Little Kissy. After their success in several European countries (Benelux, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Denmark) and overseas (South Africa, Zimbabwe and New Zealand), they started to conquer the French hit parade. In May 1980, they went on a memorable promo tour in Mexico and received a gold record for Si, Que Si (the Spanish version of Ooh, Yes I Do) (see article posted on May 10th, 2020). On this occasion, Patty Brard met Italian record producer and music publisher Carlo Nasi (heir to the FIAT empire). She immediately fell in love with him. In July, the enfant terrible of Luv' left the group. Unexpectedly, she escaped from Holland to go to Los Angeles where Carlo lived (see article posted on July 26th, 2020). Patty's departure from Luv' had a bad impact on the group's career: the ladies had big plans in the Soviet Union and Japan.
Montage by Co Rnz
A replacement was rapidly found as Luv' had legal obligations: photo model Ria Thielsch became a new member of the trio (see article posted on August 23rd, 2020). Luv's new line-up was popular. My Number One was a Top 5 single and their album Forever Yours was a big selling record (see articles posted on October 30th and on December 3rd, 2020).
On the surface, Luv' seemed to be back for good. However, tensions between the girls appeared rapidly. Marga Scheide became overworked and suffered from a burn-out. On December 18th, 1980, De Telegraaf (Holland's most-read newspaper) published an article about the blonde singer who fainted during the rehearsals for the TV show Popcorn. She had to be on sick-leave until February 1st, 1981. Once again, Luv' were inactive. They ladies had to cancel all their TV performances and other plans even though their records did well on the charts.
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Click here to read the article online
Two days later, De Telegraaf published a tell-all interview with Patty. The young woman explained why she left Luv'. She gave the impression that she was bitter. She could not stand the fact that she was not free during her Luv' days. This article was illustrated with photos with Carlo Nasi. It was bad publicity for the group that didn't need that.
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De Telegraaf - December 20th, 1980
Click here to read the article
On December 28th, Patty took everybody unawares when she was invited on Jaaroverzicht Journaal 1980, a retrospective program broadcast on NOS TV channel which focused on the greatest media events of 1980. Dressed in a strict trouser suit, she looked different from her usual sexy image. She expressed her feelings in a short interview. She told that she left Luv' without anger and didn't mention the legal problems she had with her former colleagues. She wished Marga all the best.
Patty Brard on Jaaroverzicht Journaal 1980
Around the same time, José Hoebee appeared alone on Telebingo (a TV show hosted by Mies Bouwman on AVRO) to sing Mother of the hearts, a track from Forever Yours penned by Hans van Hemert and dedicated to his mother. Before her performance, she told Mies that Luv' would be performing again after Marga's rest cure.
José performing "Mother of the Hearts" on Telebingo
Dutch teen magazine Hitkrant also mentioned Luv's problems. In spite of the interruption of the group's activities, José Hoebee and Ria Thielsch tried to look contented.
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Hitkrant - January 1st (Luv' in danger)
Hitkrant - January 1st, 1981: José toasting Luv's future
Hitkrant - January 1st - Ria Thielsch toasting: "For me a new start, for Luv' a musical continuation in 1981"
Hitkrant - January 8th, 1981
Hitkrant - January 8th, 1981
The media speculated that José might go solo after her widely acclaimed performance on Telebingo. On January 16th, 1981 Dutch newspaper Holtens Nieuwsblad published an article entitled "José of Luv' solo?".
Meanwhile, Hans van Hemert and Piet Souer (who had written Luv's repertoire under the pseudonym Janschen & Janschens) were not on good terms and were about to end their collaboration. The gentlemen were busy with other projects in addition to Luv'. Shine Up, a single by Doris D. & The Pins produced by Piet Souer, hit the number-one spot on the Dutch Top 40 on February 7th, 1981 and later on the Belgian singles chart.
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Hitkrant - February 12th, 1981: José congratulating Piet on his success with Doris D. & The Pins
De Telegraaf - February 12th, 1981: Piet Souer celebrating his #1 hit with Doris D & The Pins
Click here to read the article online
In an interview published on February 21st, 1981 in the newspaper Het Vrije Volk, Piet Souer explained he was not interested in his partnership with Hans van Hemert. He also said about the uncertain future of Luv': "A lot has got to do with motivation. If the girls work hard for it, they'll be back for good".
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Het Vrije Volk - February 21st, 1981: Piet Souer ending his work with Hans van Hemert - click here to read the article online
As for Marga Scheide, her situation didn't improve. The blonde Luv' singer was supposed to be back in business in February 1981. After weeks of inactivity, she tried to work again with José and Ria but she was ill again. The group had to cancel three performances on French TV hastily.
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De Telegraaf - February 24th, 1981
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Hitkrant - February 26th, 1981
Luv's end was near. But that's another story...
Source: Luv' weblog archives, Beeld en Geluid, Delpher.nl, Facebook (Co Rnz, Casper Janssen)
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