Pas de Deux (band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 in Leuven, Belgium |
| Founder | Walter Verdin |
| Headquarters | Leuven , Belgium |
| Products | Music singles and albums |
Pas de Deux—comprising Walter Verdin, Dett Peyskens, and Hilde van Roy—was a Belgian musical group primarily recognized for their involvement in the 1983 Eurovision Song Contest and the dispute surrounding their selection as Belgium's entry. The ensemble was established by Verdin in Leuven in 1982.
Eurovision Song Contest
In the 1983 Belgian Eurovision selection process, Pas de Deux was one of nine competitors. Each participant presented three songs, with a jury selecting the strongest piece from each for the final round. On 19 March, their track "Rendez-vous" was chosen to represent Belgium at the 28th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. The song featured a repeated line of nearly nonsensical lyrics accompanied by an unusual, rhythmic instrumental arrangement. During the performance, Peyskens and van Roy danced barefoot, which perplexed the conservative audience members who largely supported more conventional artists like Bart Kaëll and Wim de Craene. As it became evident that "Rendez-vous" would secure victory with the jury's votes, the initially confused spectators expressed their displeasure through boos and exits before the song's encore. Pas de Deux appeared entertained by this response.
The contest was held on 23 April in Munich, where "Rendez-vous" placed 18th out of 20 entries, receiving points solely from the UK, Spain, and Portugal. Despite its low placement, "Rendez-vous" has since been acknowledged within Eurovision communities as a notable example of an innovative and daring act that was arguably too unconventional for the conservative juries of that era.
After Eurovision
Following Eurovision, "Rendez-vous" entered the Belgian top 30 charts; however, their subsequent single "Manimeme" failed to gain attention. The band disbanded shortly thereafter. Walter Verdin transitioned into video art, Hilde van Roy moved into television journalism, and Dett Peyskens continued working as a singer and actor.
Discography
Singles
- 1982: "The Lonely Guys"
- 1983: "Rendez-vous"
- 1983: "Manimeme"
Mini album
- 1982: Des Tailles
- 1983: Axe Ends