The Shorts
| Company type | Pop ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Headquarters | Leiden , Netherlands |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
The Shorts was a pop ensemble from the Netherlands, established in 1976, comprising Hans van Vondelen (lead vocals), Erik de Wildt (keyboards), Hans Stokkermans (bass guitar), and Peter Wezenbeek (drums). Their international breakthrough came in 1983 with the hit single "Comment ça va", produced by Jack Jersey. Their final recorded performance took place at the Sopot Festival in 1984.
History
Originally named De Bliksemafleiders, the band was created in Leiden in 1977 under the guidance of producer Danny de Heer after being discovered at a talent contest. The founding lineup featured Hans van Vondelen, Erik de Wildt, Peter Wezenbeek, Frank van der Ven, and Hans Stokkermans. They initially appeared on children's television programs and released a single that did not achieve commercial success. Encouraged by Eddy de Heer, who composed "Comment ça va," they spent a year pitching the song to various record labels before EMI agreed to issue a Dutch-language version, produced by Jack de Nijs at Stone Sound Studio.
Following their rebranding as The Shorts, "Comment ça va" gained popularity on pirate radio stations and became the top-selling single in the Netherlands during 1983. The track was adapted into multiple languages including English, Spanish, German, and Chinese, ultimately selling over four million copies globally. In recognition of this international success, The Shorts, along with Eddy de Heer and Jack de Nijs, were awarded the Conamus Export Prize that same year.
Later releases did not match the success of their hit single. After undergoing several personnel changes, the group dissolved in 1987.
Recent history
Hans van Vondelen currently owns Fendal Sound Studios. Peter Wezenbeek manages J.P. Audio Visueel BV as well as the Droomtent recording studio. Hans Stokkermans works professionally as a detective while continuing his career as a bass guitarist. Erik de Wildt is the proprietor of a pharmacy.
Discography
The Shorts produced two full-length albums and released a total of fourteen singles.
Comment ça va
The 1983 album Comment ça va was released through EMI and has a duration of 41:11 minutes. Notable songs include "Comment Ça Va," "One Pair," and "I'm A Musician."
M'n laaste concert
Their sophomore album, M'n laaste concert (1987), contains tracks such as "Het Monster Van Loch Ness," "Vrienden," and the title track "M'n Laatste Concert."
Singles
- Released via CNR:*
- "Don't wanna do it" (1981)
- Released via EMI:*
- "Annabelle" (1983) - "Comment Ça Va" (1983) - "Je Suis, Tu Es / Ik Zing" (1983) - "Que Tal Te Va (Comment Ça VA)" (promo, 1984) - "Je Hebt Het Maar Geleend" (1984) - "Tschüss" (1984) - "Helemaal Te Gek" (1984)
- Released via Sky:*
- "Ze Was Zo Mooi / She Was So Nice" (1985) - "Christmas-Eve" (1985) - "Door De Bocht" (1985) - "Maar Toen Kwam Jij" (1986) - "M'n Laatste Concert" (1987)
- Released via Telstar:*
- "Verboden Toegang" (1986)