Luv'

Luv'

Company type	Girl group
Industry	Music
Founded	1976
Founder	Hans van Hemert, Piet Souer, Han Meijer
Headquarters	Netherlands
Area served	Continental Europe, Israel, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Argentina, Mexico
Products	Music recordings (singles and albums)

Luv' was a Dutch girl group that gained significant popularity across Continental Europe—including the Benelux countries, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, Spain, Denmark, Norway, and Finland—as well as in international markets such as Israel, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Argentina, and Mexico throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. The original trio consisted of Patty Brard, José Hoebee, and Marga Scheide. In 1979, Luv' received the Conamus Export Prize, recognizing them as 'Holland's best export act.'

Worldwide sales of their records exceeded seven million units. Among their most notable tracks were "U.O.Me (Welcome to Waldolala)," "You're the Greatest Lover," "Trojan Horse," "Casanova," and "Ooh, Yes I Do." Despite experiencing member changes and several reunions of the founding lineup, Luv' performed their final concert on 11 August 2012 at the Dutch Valley Festival held in Spaarnwoude. Two members pursued successful solo endeavors: Patty established herself as a television personality while José focused on her singing career.

In 2016, Marga, José, and Ria Thielsch—who had replaced Patty in 1980—revived Luv'. The group celebrated its 40th anniversary in July 2017. On 4 January 2019, media figure Chimène van Oosterhout joined the lineup, taking over from Ria Thielsch. That July, the trio released a Latin pop–reggaeton track titled With Him Tonight, marking their first new release in 25 years since the album All You Need Is Luv'. On 7 February 2020, management announced that Luv' had disbanded due to José's health issues.

Their influence endures through reissues and remix projects such as the Trojan Horse (Kav Verhouzer Remix), remastered versions of All You Need Is Luv', and an upcoming full remix collection titled Only Luv' – The Matt Pop Remixes, set for release on May 24, 2025. This album will feature new interpretations created from original master recordings.

Formation

In 1976, producers Hans van Hemert and Piet Souer, together with manager Han Meijer, assembled a girl group inspired by the German disco act Silver Convention. Having recorded the song "My Man," they recruited three vocalists:

• José Hoebee, born on 29 March 1954 in Best, Netherlands; began her career as a semi-professional singer performing folk and country music.
• Marga Scheide, born on 15 February 1954 in Amsterdam; participated in beauty contests and appeared on various artist compilation albums.
• Patty Brard, born on 25 March 1955 in Sorong, New Guinea; initially employed as Hans van Hemert’s secretary before entering the entertainment industry.

1977–1978: Breakthrough

Following the release of singles "My Man" (which reached #12 in the Netherlands and entered the Top 10 in Flanders) and "Dream, Dream" in 1977, Van Hemert composed "U.O.Me (Welcome to Waldolala)" for the VPRO television series Het is weer zo laat!. The group's appearance on this show significantly boosted their exposure, propelling the song into the Top 5 charts in both the Netherlands and Belgium.

1978–1981: International career

The single "You're the Greatest Lover," released in 1978, marked Luv's entry into international markets by selling one million copies. Their music charted widely across Europe as well as in Israel, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Argentina, and Mexico. Subsequent hits including "Trojan Horse" (which also sold over one million copies), "Casanova," and "Ooh, Yes I Do" maintained their popularity. Albums like With Luv' and Lots of Luv' were commercially successful.

During 1978–79, Luv' received recognition as Holland's leading export act through the Conamus Export Award. In Germany, they made frequent appearances on TV programs such as Disco and Musikladen. The track "You're the Greatest Lover" sold half a million copies there and was featured on the television series Derrick. A dance cover titled "Latino Lover" by Loona reached number six on German charts and achieved gold status in 2000.

Spanish-language versions like "Eres Mi Mejor Amante" and "Si, Que Si" became hits in Spain and Mexico respectively. Their music also found an audience behind the Iron Curtain—in East Germany, Poland, and Hungary—although distribution was limited.

In 1979, seeking greater autonomy over their career decisions, Luv' founded Interluv'/Luv' BV and transitioned to management under Pim Ter Linde. They secured a contract worth 750,000 Dutch guilders with CNR Records (associated with Carrere Records).

After releasing "One More Little Kissie," Patty Brard departed from the group in August 1980. She was succeeded by model and dancer Ria Thielsch from New Guinea. Ria made her debut with the single "My Number One" and contributed to the album Forever Yours, both of which enjoyed success in the Netherlands and Belgium. Although scheduled to compete at the World Popular Song Festival with "Be My Lover Tonight," Luv' withdrew to appear instead on Germany's television program Musikladen.

1981: Disbandment

In March 1981, the group declared their dissolution just as they were preparing to enter new territories such as Japan and the Soviet Union. Their final appearance was broadcast on 22 July 1981 during the Nederland Muziekland program on Veronica (TV channel), showcasing the single "Tingalingaling." This concluding show was recorded in Spakenburg. Additionally, Luv' performed at the Efteling amusement park as part of Hitkrant's Zomerspelen, a summer multi-sport event featuring Dutch celebrities and organized by Hitkrant magazine. Although they were slated to appear at a UNICEF gala in Greece, this engagement was ultimately canceled. Following their split, the compilation album Goodbye Luv' was issued in 1981.

1988: Samen

The original members came together again in 1988 for a Dutch television charity event titled Samen, hosted by Mies Bouwman. Discussions about a comeback album produced by the British team Stock, Aitken & Waterman took place but did not come to fruition.

1989–1992: Revised lineup

Marga Scheide, the only founding member remaining, joined forces with vocalists Diana van Berlo and Michelle Gold to release "Welcome to My Party," which reached #22 on Dutch charts and #28 in Flanders during autumn 1989. The trio also participated in the 'All Stars' initiative supporting children in developing countries with the single "Star Maker." In 1990, Michelle Gold was succeeded by Carina Lemoine. During the Gulf War, Luv' performed in Dubai to support Dutch military personnel. The group disbanded again in 1992.

1993–1996: Luv' Gold era

Riding the wave of successful compilations from acts like ABBA and Boney M., the original trio reunited in 1993 to release the anthology CD Luv' Gold along with the medley single "Megamix '93," which reached #14 and #23 respectively on Dutch charts. They toured extensively throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Denmark. Their last studio album, All You Need Is Luv' (1994), was launched by independent label Roman Disc and sold exclusively via the Dutch drugstore chain Kruidvat. The group performed intermittently before disbanding once more in 1996.

2005–2012: Back in Luv'

In 2003, Universal Music Netherlands released a double CD compilation titled 25 Jaar Na Waldolala, commemorating their 25th anniversary with bonus content including Spanish versions of hits and solo tracks by José and Marga.

Luv' made an unexpected appearance in 2005 at producer Hans van Hemert's 60th birthday celebration. Their reality TV comeback series Back in Luv'’ aired in 2006 on Dutch channel RTL 5 and Flemish channel VTM. That same year saw the release of a DVD and box set (Completely in Luv'), featuring additional tracks and remixes. They appeared as special guests alongside Bobby Farrell of Boney M. during three performances of De Toppers at Amsterdam Arena in May 2006. The group remained active with television appearances and live shows at clubs, private parties, corporate events, and festivals until 2008.

Following this period, concerts became less frequent due to Patty Brard’s demanding television career. Unlike many disco-era manufactured groups such as Boney M. and Village People, Luv' continued performing with original members into the early 2010s. In March 2012, Marga Scheide announced their permanent disbandment on NOS radio. Their final concert occurred on 11 August 2012 at the Dutch Valley Festival held in Spaarnwoude.

2015–2018: Revival

In May 2015, the 1980–1981 lineup of Luv' (Marga, José, and Ria) took part in the launch event for the photo book The Story of Luv at Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum. Attendees included Dutch illusionist Hans Klok; however, Patty Brard opposed this project. Due to copyright conflicts, the publication was eventually prohibited.

In March 2016, Marga and José announced another reunion of Luv' through De Telegraaf, excluding Patty and replacing her with Ria Thielsch. They planned tours and new recordings produced by Juan Cristóbal Losada. On 1 October 2016, they performed at a Studio 54-themed party at Antwerp's Sportpaleis alongside Earth, Wind & Fire experience featuring Al MacKay, Jocelyn Brown, and Kate Ryan. In July 2017, they celebrated their 40th anniversary with fans in Best, Netherlands.

2019: Unexpected lineup modification

On 4 January 2019, Luv' revealed via De Telegraaf that media personality Chimène van Oosterhout had replaced Ria Thielsch. In July that year, they released a Latin pop-reggaeton single titled With Him Tonight, produced by Latin Grammy nominees Keith Morrison and Manuel Garrido-Lecca.

2020: Conclusion of activities

On 7 February 2020, Luv' announced a suspension of their activities due to José Hoebee’s illness, which had prevented performances since September 2019.

2021–2025: Reissues and remixes

In 2021, two albums along with several singles were digitally reissued: All You Need Is Luv' (April), Sincerely Yours (June), plus singles such as "Hasta Mañana," "Jungle Jive," "The Last Song," "He's My Guy," and "This Old Heart of Mine" (October).

On February 11, 2022, Cloud 9 Music released the digital single Trojan Horse (Kav Verhouzer Remix), which entered the Dutch iTunes Top 100 at #10 but exited after one week.

The album All You Need Is Luv' received a reissue on double CD and digital formats by Hit It! Music on March 14, 2025. This "Remastered & Expanded Edition" includes the original tracklist plus Ladies on Mars remixes. Prior to this release, seven Ladies On Mars remixes were distributed digitally between October 2024 and March 2025. Additionally, a limited edition pink and blue vinyl pressing was issued for Record Store Day on April 12, 2025.

On May 24, 2025, the remix album Only Luv' – The Matt Pop Remixes was launched featuring reworked versions of popular hits and lesser-known tracks by producer Matt Pop using original master tapes from Hans van Hemert and Universal Music. Available on CD, limited double vinyl editions, and streaming platforms, this project was supported by onlyluv.nl and announced on March 29, 2025. Two singles preceded it: "Eeny Meeny Miny Moe (Matt Pop Album Remix)" released in April and "I.M.U.R. (Matt Pop Album Remix)" released in May.

Record contracts

Luv' drew inspiration from ABBA, who strategically managed record deals to maintain control over their music distribution.

Initially signed with Philips Records/Phonogram between 1977 and 1979, they later secured a lucrative contract valued at 750,000 Dutch Guilder with CNR—associated with Carrere Records—from 1979 to 1981; this transfer was acclaimed by De Telegraaf as "show business transfer of the year."

Alongside label transitions came changes in publishing rights: from Banananas Music during Phonogram years to Roba Musik Verlag under CNR/Carrere management. Phonogram and CNR licensed their recordings worldwide—to entities such as Private Stock Records in the UK, Carrere Records for German-speaking countries, WEA in Japan among others—resulting in eighty-seven pressings across roughly forty nations.

In 1979, members of the trio along with producers and management formed Interluv'/Luv' B.V., a limited company established to oversee their careers; it ceased operations following their disbandment in 1981.

When Marga Scheide revived Luv’ in 1988 with new members and producers she signed with High Fashion Records/Dureco for the mini-album For You, which included the moderate hit "Welcome to My Party." Subsequently she obtained a contract with RCA/BMG for releasing Sincerely Yours.

The original lineup reunited again in 1993 under Arcade Records for the compilation Luv' Gold, which charted successfully in the Netherlands. Their final studio album All You Need Is Luv' (1994) was distributed by independent label Roman Disc exclusively through Dutch drugstore chain Kruidvat.

Currently, Luv's back catalog is owned by Hans van Hemert Productions together with Universal Music Netherlands—responsible for compilations like 25 Jaar Na Waldolala (2003) and Completely in Luv' (2006)—alongside Marga Scheide herself and independent label Hit It! Music.

Personnel

• Marga Scheide (1976–1981, 1988–1996, 2005–2012, 2015–2020)
• José Hoebee (1976–1981, 1988, 1993–1996, 2005–2012, 2015–2020)
• Ria Thielsch (1980–1981, 2015–2019)
• Chimène van Oosterhout (2019–2020)
• Patty Brard (1976–1980, 1988–1989, 1993–1996, 2005–2012)
• Diana van Berlo (1989–1992)
• Michelle Gold (1989–1990)
• Carina Lemoine (1990–1992)

Timeline

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at:02/20/1979 color:black layer:back
at:05/26/1979 color:black layer:back
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at:05/03/1994 color:black layer:back

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bar:Marga text:"Marga Scheide"
bar:Patty text:"Patty Brard"
bar:Jose text:"José Hoebee"
bar:Ria text:"Ria Thielsch"
bar:Diana text:"Diana v Berlo"
bar:Michelle text:"Michelle Gold"
bar:Carina text:"Carina Lemoine"
bar:Chimène text:"Chimène van Oosterhout"

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width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
bar:Marga from:01/01/1976 till:03/01/1981
bar:Marga from:01/01/1988 till:01/01/1992
bar:Marga from:01/01/1994 till:01/01/1996
bar:Marga from:01/01/2005 till:01/01/2012
bar:Marga from:01/01/2015 till:02/07/2020
bar:Patty from:01/01/1976 till:01/01/1980
bar:Patty from:01/01/1988 till:01/01/1989
bar:Patty from:01/01/1994 till:01/01/1996
bar:Patty from:01/01/2005 till:01/01/2012
bar:Jose from:01/01/1976 till:03/01/1981
bar:Jose from:01/01/1988 till:01/01/1989
bar:Jose from:01/01/1994 till:01/01/1996
bar:Jose from:01/01/2005 till:01/01/2012
bar:Jose from:01/01/2015 till:02/07/2020
bar:Ria from:01/01/1980 till:03/01/1981
bar:Ria from:01/01/2015 till:01/30/2019
bar:Diana from:01/01/1989 till:01/01/1992
bar:Michelle from:01/01/1989 till:01/01/1990
bar:Carina from:01/01/1990 till:01/01/1992
bar:Chimène from:02/01/2019 till:02/07/2020

</timeline>

Discography

Main article: Luv' discography

• With Luv' (1978)
• Lots of Luv' (1979)
• True Luv' (1979)
• Forever Yours (1980)
• Sincerely Yours (1991)
• All You Need Is Luv' (1994)

Awards and certifications

• Netherlands:
  • Gold and platinum singles for "You're the Greatest Lover" and "Trojan Horse" achieved in 1978
  • Veronica Top 40 Awards for reaching number one with these singles in that year
  • Gold and platinum albums awarded for With Luv' and Lots of Luv' during 1979
  • Conamus Export Award for best Dutch export act recognizing sales of approximately two-and-a-half million records between years 1977–79
  • Gold album certification for True Luv' earned in 1980
• Belgium:
  • Gold single status granted for "Trojan Horse" in 1979
• Germany:
  • "You're the Greatest Lover" attained gold certification after selling around 650,000 copies during 1979
• Austria:
  • Gold single awarded for "Trojan Horse" also achieved in 1979
• Denmark:
  • Silver album certification received for With Luv' during 1979
• Mexico:
  • Spanish version "Si Que Si" of "Ooh, Yes I Do" earned gold single status in 1980

External links

• LUV - The Uber ABBA
• Luv' at Dutchcharts.nl