Obituaries

🇧🇪 Luc Smets (Dream Express) passed away

Today, the sad news came to us that Luc Smets, member of the group Dream Express, passed away. Luc Smets was born in Steendorp, Belgium, in 1947. When he was 19, he joined the band The Pebbles. He played the keyboard in the band. They had a couple of hits in Belgium, of which “Seven horses in the sky” and “Mackintosh” were the biggest. However, Smets had to leave the band. He started a new band, Shampoo. They started working with the Hearts Of Soul, a Dutch group. In the end, Luc joined the girls of the Hearts Of Soul, and together they started a new group: Dream Express. In 1977 they won the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “A million in 1, 2, 3”. Despite being among the favourites, the four reached a 7th place. In 1981, one of the girls left the group, the others continued under the name LBS. Smets also co-wrote the 1982 Eurovision song “Si tu aimes ma musique” for Stella. He also wrote numerous songs for Belgian national finals. Subsequently, Luc made significant contributions to the music industry as a composer, arranger, and producer. His talents graced children’s TV shows. In late 2002, he joined forces with some familiar faces, including Marcel De Cauwer, a former member of the Pebbles, to create the cover band “No Joke.” Luc was the go-to arranger and leader for the Strato-Vani orchestra, renowned for their fresh renditions of classic and popular tunes. Tragically, after battling an illness, Luc departed on August 20, 2023, at 76 years old.

🇬🇧 R.I.P. Patricia Bredin

The first ever British Eurovision participant, Patricia Bredin, passed away last Sunday 13 August. Patricia Bredin was an English actress, born in Hull, England. She represented the United Kingdom in the 1957 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “All”. ranking seventh out of ten contestants with her song “All”, marking the debut of the English language in the Eurovision arena. Remarkably, at a duration of 1:52, “All” stood as the briefest performance in Eurovision’s annals for many years. However, this record was surpassed in 2015 by Finland’s Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät with “Aina mun pitää”, clocking in at just 1:27. Some highlights of her career: In 1957, Bredin portrayed Molly, the island damsel, in the inaugural cast of the musical, Free as Air. 1959 saw her in a starring role in the British comedic film, Left Right and Centre, alongside Ian Carmichael, earning her a position among the year’s most promising British stars, as voted by British exhibitors. She stood in the esteemed company of personalities like Peter Sellers and Hayley Mills. As the calendar rolled over to Boxing Day in 1959, she made her mark on BBC TV’s acclaimed variety series, The Good Old Days. This performance was later showcased again in 2016 on BBC4, as part of the BBC’s tribute to the show. 1960 brought with it leading roles for Bredin, one in the adventurous period film, The Treasure of Monte Cristo, and another starring alongside Sid James in Desert Mice. A pivotal moment in her career came when she stepped into Julie Andrews’ shoes, portraying Guenevere in the Broadway rendition of Camelot. She held this role from 16 April 1962, only to pass the torch to Janet Pavek three months thereafter. By 1964, she married the melodious Welsh vocalist, Ivor Emmanuel. Their union, however, remained childless and they divorced within a couple of years. Subsequently, Patricia found love again with Canadian entrepreneur, Charles MacCulloch. However, fate played a cruel twist as Charles passed away during their honeymoon. Adopting the name Patricia Bredin-McCulloch, she passionately reared a group of cows on their estate. This venture continued for a decade, but due to financial hurdles, her journey into cattle breeding concluded. She penned down memories of this chapter in her life in a book titled “My Fling on the Farm” (1989). Patricia Bredin died in Nova Scotia, Canada, on 13 August 2023 when she was 88 years old.

🇹🇷 Özkan Uğur passed away

Today the sad news came to us that Özkan Uğur passed away. Uğur represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest twice: in 1985 and 1988, both times as a member of the group MFÖ. Özkan Uğur was 69 years old. Early years Born on February 16, 1954, in Ankara, Turkey, Özkan Uğur is a renowned Turkish musician, singer, and songwriter. His career is spanning several decades Uğur’s passion for music blossomed at a young age. Growing up in a musically inclined family, he was exposed to various genres, from traditional Turkish folk music to Western rock and pop. This diverse musical upbringing played a crucial role in shaping Uğur’s artistic identity, allowing him to effortlessly blend different styles and create a unique sound of his own. Mazhar-Fuat-Özkan In the late 1970s, Uğur’s career took off when he became the lead vocalist and bassist for the influential Turkish rock band MFÖ (Mazhar-Fuat-Özkan). Alongside his bandmates Mazhar Alanson and Fuat Güner, Uğur contributed to the band’s success with his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. MFÖ’s innovative approach to rock music, infused with elements of Turkish folk and pop, resonated with audiences and propelled them to national stardom. MFÖ and Eurovision Uğur’s collaboration with MFÖ resulted in numerous hit songs, including “Ele Güne Karşı Yapayalnız,” “Peki Peki Anladık,” and “Mazeretim Var Asabiyim Ben.” Their distinctive sound and energetic performances earned them a dedicated fan base, and they continue to be revered as pioneers of the Turkish rock scene. In 1985, MFÖ represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time. Their song “Didai didai dai (aşık oldum)” reached a 14th place. Three years later, the band was in Eurovision again with the song “Sufi”, being 15th in the ranking. Solo career Despite his success with MFÖ, Uğur embarked on a solo career in the 1980s, eager to explore his creative boundaries beyond the confines of a band. His solo albums showcased his versatility as an artist, as he experimented with various musical genres, including pop, jazz, and even classical music. Collaborations Throughout his career, Uğur has collaborated with numerous prominent musicians and songwriters, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist. He has worked with notable Turkish composers such as Fikret Kızılok, Timur Selçuk, and Sezen Aksu, contributing his unique vocal talents to their compositions. Uğur’s collaborations have resulted in timeless classics, including “Küçük Bir Aşk Masalı,” “Benimle Oynar Mısın,” and “Öpüşmek İstiyorum.” Film and television Aside from his musical endeavors, Uğur has also ventured into acting, showcasing his versatility as a performer. He has appeared in several films and television series, earning critical acclaim for his on-screen presence and natural acting ability. Awards Özkan Uğur’s contributions to Turkish music have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. He has received prestigious honors, including the Golden Butterfly Award for Best Male Performer and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Kral TV Music Awards.

Dario Campeotto passed away

The sad news reached us that Danish singer Dario Campeotto passed away. Campeotto represented Denmark in th 1961 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Angelique”. The singer and song became 5th. Campeotto had to share his 5th place with Italy. A coincidence, because Dario Campeotto was of Italian descent. Born in 1939, his breakthrough came by winning Dansk Melodi Grand Prix in 1961, with that song “Angelique”. In the years to come, he acted as entertainer and sang the schlagers of the time and the evergreens of the operetta. In 1962 (“Carissima”), 1963 (“Tiden er en gammel bekendt”), 1964 (“Shangri-la”) and 1966 (“Hjerte for hjerte”) he took part again in the Danish Melodi Grand Prix. Even in 1987, he took part in Melodi Grand Prix with the song “Stjerner på himlen”. He scored several hits in the Danish charts. As an actor, he made his debut in 1960 in the film “Eventyrrejsen”. He made fame as Captain Von Trapp in the musical “Sound of Music”. He got the role in 1995. Campeotto lived in Frederiksberg for almost all his life, with an exception in the late sixties and early seventies, when he lived in Turin. Dario Campeotto was 84 years old when he passed away in Frederiksberg last Saturday.

Heddy Lester passed away

Heddy Lester At the age of 72, Dutch singer and actress Heddy Lester passed away. Heddy Lester is especially known in The Netherlands for representing the Netherlands in the 1977 Eurovision Song Contest. Carreer pre-eurovision Heddy Lester started her carreer in 1971, when she had a huge hit in The Netherlands with the “Railroad song” as half of the duo April Shower. The duo also toured throughout the USA. Since 1974 Heddy performed solo and in 1977 she won the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. De Mallemolen “De mallemolen” was composed by Heddy’s brother Frank Affolter. After the Eurovision Song Contest Heddy has been seen especially in theatres. The last role she played was in the Dutch movie “Groeten van Gerri”, where she played the role of a mother. There have been times when she didn’t want to sing “De mallemolen”. She wanted to concentrate on other things in her carreer. The last few years she embraced the song again. In The Netherlands it became a Eurovision classic.

Galit Burg died in car accident

Galit Burg passed away. The singer, who represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1989, was killed in a car accident. According to the Times of Israel, she was involved in a collision between a truck and two vehicles near Kfar Daniel in central Israel. Youth Galit Burg was born on June 8, 1968. She was born and raised in Bat Yam as the eldest daughter in a family of six children. Kdam Eurovision In 1989, musician Shaike Paykov submitted his song “Derech ha’melech” to Kdam Eurovision, the Israeli preliminary round for the Eurovision Song Contest. He chose 12-year-old Gili Netanel to perform his song. Shortly before the competition, the producers of the Eurovision song contest decided to attach an adult singer to it. That then became Galit Burg. Thus was born the duo “Gili and Galit”. Eurovision Song Contest After winning Kdam Eurovision 1989, the two represented Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest, which was held in Lausanne, Switzerland. The song placed 12th out of 22 contestants. The two recorded an English version of the song called “Shine for Tomorrow”. Although the song was unsuccessful in other countries, it became a hit in Israel. The English version of the song was not a success and the duo split up shortly afterwards. Tramp In 1991, two years after the Eurovision appearance, Burg founded the band “Tramp”, with which she performed at “Telrock” in Holon. In 1995, they competed for the “Wheel of Fortune Girl” title. United States and Europe Burg married the band’s guitarist and intermittently moved to the United States, where she was engaged in music. In 1994 she released a rock album in Israel that was not a success. Three years later, she went to the European market under the stage name “Galecia”, and published a dance song in English called “You Are The One”, which received a lot of airplay. Later, in 2005, she released an album called “Nogat Bach” consisting of her and her husband’s material. In 2013, she entered the auditions for the first season of X Factor Israel. Private life Borg was the mother of two children. In the first decade of the 21st century, she returned to Israel. Galit Burg was 54 years old.

Claes-Göran Hederstrom passed away

Today, the sad news reached us that Claes-Göran Hederström died last night. Hederström is best known for his participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1968. His song with the particularly long title “Det börjar verka kärlek banne mej” reached fifth place. Hederström was discovered in 1967 by conductor Mats Olsson. A year later he won Melodifestivalen and therefore participated in the Eurovision Song Contest. It became a number 1 hit in Sweden. A greater success than “Det börjar verka kärlek….” would not come. In 1968 he collaborated with many other Swedish artists. Together with Nina Fizell he scored another hit, “Flickan i fönstret mitt emot”, and in 1972 he had a solo hit, “Här ute på landet”. Claes-Göran Hederström made another attempt to enter the Eurovision Song Contest in 1973, but his “Historien om en vän” became eighth out of ten. Claes-Göran Hederström died last night at the age of 77 years.

Nicole Josy passed away

Today, the sad news came to us that Nicole Josy passed away. Nicole was the female half of the duo Nicole & Hugo. In 1971 Nicole Josy and her husband Hugo Sigal would participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. With the song “Goeie morgen, morgen” they won the Belgian national final. Unfortunately, Nicole got jaundice and had to stay in bed. At the Eurovision Song Contest, the two were replaced by Jacques Raymond and Lily Castell, who had to rehearse the song and dance in haste. A new chance came two years later. Again Nicole and Hugo won the national final. With the song “Baby, baby” they could participate this time. Unfortunately, the duo came last. Yet their performance was unforgettable. This was mainly due to the bright purple suits that the two wore. In 2004 the duo again made a bid for Eurovision participation. However, they did not succeed with their song “Love is all around”. In 2015, the two decided to stop and enjoy a well-deserved retirement. Nicole had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for some time. However, she did not die from that. She fell on her head at home. She died from the injuries she sustained. Nicole was 76 years old.

Vesa-Matti Loiri passed away

This week, Finnish singer and actor Vesa-Matti Loiri passed away. Loiri, who was nicknamed Vesku, was a Finnish actor, comedian, singer and musician. He is considered one of Finland’s most versatile entertainment artists. He was one of the biggest names in Finnish art and entertainment. Loiri has acted in theatre, films and television. As a comedian, he is known for television programs and movies. As a singer, Loiri gained popularity, especially as an interpreter of songs composed to Eino Leino’s poems. He has also recorded Finnish hits. In 1975, he took part in Euroviisut, the Finnish national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. His song “Laulu” became 3rd. Four years later, with “Huilumies”, he was more succesful. He was chosen to represent Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest. Unfortunately, in the international final in Den Haag, it was not a great success. He became last. In 2014, Loiri appeared in the third season of the Finnish TV series Vain läämää. Loiri died of cancer on August 10, 2022. “He was one of Finland’s most well-known, most loved and most successful entertainment artists of all time,” music editor Ilkka Mattila describes Loiri.’s career in the death news.

Dame Olivia Newton-John passed away

Today, the sad news came to us that Dame Olivia Newton John passed away. The Dame was 73 years old. Olivia Newton-John was born in Cambridge, but the family moved to Australia when she was only 5 years old. She returned to the UK in the sixties. She had her first hits in 1971: “If not for you” became a huge hit in several countries, followed by “Banks of the Ohio”, which became a number 1 hit in Australia. As a good friend of Cliff Richard, she was interested in participating in the Eurovision Song Contest. In 1974 she represented the United Kingdom. Out of 6 songs, “Long live love” was chosen. She was not too happy with the choice of the British audience, who voted with postcards. However, Olivia was one of the hot favourites at the bookmakers. In the end, she became 4th. Shortly after the Eurovision Song Contest, Olivia moved to the USA. She scored no less than 5 number 1 hits, only in the years 1974 and 1975. Her worldwide breakthrough as an actress came in 1978, when she and John Travolta performed in the teenage movie “Grease”, a movie that became and still is an evergreen. The movie produced hits like “You’re the one that I want”, “Hopelessly devoted to you” and “Summer nights”. Another worldwide movie hit was “Xanadu”, two years after “Grease”. The title song was a world wide hit as well. After these two movies she scored a worldwide hit again, the song “Physical”: After “Physical” she kept on having hits, although it became more difficult for her to have worldwide top hits. The exception came in 1990, when she and John Travolta teamed up again to record the “Grease Megamix”. In total, Olivia Newton John released 26 albums, 6 live albums and several soundtracks. In 1992, Olivia had cancer for the first time. The cancer returned in 2013 and again in 2017. In 2019, Newton-John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth, including for her contribution to cancer research. Since then she was allowed to call herself Dame.