Luv’s ‘Hasta Mañana’: A 35th Anniversary Tribute

Photo courtesy of © Marco Rens (Official Luv' Fan Page (Facebook)

In Loving Memory of Jacques Zwart

Photo edited by Marco Rens

Thirty-five years ago, on November 20, 1990, Luv’ premiered their single “Hasta Mañana”, written by Jacques Zwart and released a month earlier, on the Veronica/Nederland 2 TV show "Sportgala: Auto-Maten". The performance showcased the group’s lineup at the time: Marga Scheide (the sole remaining original member), Diana van Berlo (who had joined in 1989), and Carina Lemoine (who had entered Luv' shortly before the single’s release). Ria Thielsch, a former Luv’ singer in 1980 and 1981, handled the group’s styling for their TV and stage appearances promoting the song. Let’s celebrate the 35th anniversary of this vibrant and underrated Latino-pop gem!

History

In 1989, Marga Scheide, assisted by her partner, record producer Jacques Zwart, revived Luv' by introducing two new members: 23-year-old Diana van Berlo from Helmond, Netherlands, and 29-year-old Michelle Gold from London, UK. This incarnation of the trio became known among fans as "Marga’s Luv’," a nod to the fact that Marga had trademarked the group’s name.

Diana van Berlo, Marga Scheide & Michelle Gold: Luv' in 1989

In the autumn of 1989, this new formation released the dance-pop single "Welcome To My Party", produced by British producer Nigel Wright and heavily influenced by the iconic Stock, Aitken & Waterman sound. Although it did not reach the commercial success of Luv's late 1970s hits, this record peaked at #19 on the Nationale Hitparade Top 100 and #22 on the Dutch Top 40. In Belgium, it reached #28 on the Flemish BRT Top 30 and #39 on the Ultratop Flanders.

In November 1989, Luv's mini-album "For You" was released by High Fashion Dance Music/Dureco. In addition to the chart hit "Welcome To My Party," this EP featured three other singles that, unfortunately, did not succeed: "I Don't Wanna Be Lonely," "Girl Like Me," and a potpourri titled "Luv' Hit-Medley."

Although Luv's new incarnation did not match the popularity of the original trio with Patty Brard and José Hoebee, the group continued to appear on television and tour the club circuit across the Benelux and Germany.

In June 1990, Michelle Gold left Luv' due to the challenges of commuting frequently between the UK and the Netherlands. Soon after, 21-year-old Carina Lemoine joined as her replacement and made her live debut with Luv’ on July 23, 1990, at Discotheque Pavillon in Valkenburg aan de Geul, the Netherlands. The fan community warmly received Carina.

The next step for the group was to release fresh material showcasing their newest member.

Marga, owing to her status as an original Luv’ lady, remained the focal point of media attention. A clear example of this appeared in the September 12, 1990, edition of De Telegraaf, which featured an article about the blonde singer’s home in its Woonkrant (Housing Journal) section. Marga shared details about her charming house in Naarden, located in the prestigious Gooi region, renowned as a Dutch enclave for the rich and famous. Her home, where she still resides today, sits on navigable water with a direct connection to the IJsselmeer, and behind the garden lies a jetty where a boat is moored.

De Telegraaf - September 12, 1990: Marga Scheide "I feel gloomy in dark spaces".

Click here to read the article online.

In the autumn of 1990, Luv' ended their partnership with Dureco and signed a deal with RCA/BMG. The October 8, 1990, edition of Algemeen Dagblad mentioned this transfer and Luv's forthcoming release. "We've signed a new record deal with RCA. Carina Lemoine replaced Michelle. She can be heard on our new single "Hasta Mañana," which will come out in a couple of weeks," Marga Scheide said.

Algemeen Dagblad, October 8, 1990: Luv’ parts ways with their record label.

Click here to read the article online.

In October 1990, RCA/BMG released the Latin pop single titled "Hasta Mañana," which was written and produced by Jacques Zwart (also known as E. Mergency). The lively track, featuring Flamenco guitars reminiscent of the Gypsy Kings, felt more suitable for summer, making its fall release seem somewhat ill-timed. "Hasta Mañana" served as a preview of the album "Sincerely Yours," which was launched in April 1991. In this song, the Luv’ singers delivered lyrics that portrayed a carefree holiday fantasy, inviting a handsome young man to abandon his daily routine and join them in a vibrant, Spanish-tinged fiesta. The trio encouraged him to choose spontaneity and adventure, promising an evening filled with dancing, warmth, and flirtatious excitement. Through a playful blend of English and Spanish expressions, Luv’ evoked the atmosphere of a lively summer night in which music, movement, and romance flowed freely. The song ultimately celebrated escapism and the joy of letting go, capturing the exuberant spirit for which the group was known.

Video generated by Grok Imagine

Luv' Fanzine, conceived by Martin Vink & Arnold Kroone, including the lyrics of "Hasta Mañana" (1991)

Courtesy of Marco Rens

In an official BMG Ariola Benelux BV/RCA Records press release, Jacques Zwart explained, "I was busy writing music for the soundtrack of a film about Cuba. Then I used Spanish influences. It had to be festive. Then I came up with this song".

Official BMG Ariola Benelux BV / RCA Records press release printed in October 1990 on the label’s branded "Nieuws" letterhead, announcing and promoting Luv’s “Hasta Mañana” and providing background details, promotional commentary, and context intended for radio stations, journalists, and music outlets.

Courtesy of Marco Rens

Former Luv' singer Ria Thielsch, who was part of the 1980–1981 lineup and worked in the fashion industry, oversaw the group’s styling for the TV and stage performances promoting "Hasta Mañana." For Marga, Diana, and Carina, Ria opted for bold silver-and-black leopard-print bodysuits with long sleeves, high-cut silhouettes, black hip accents, and sleek black thigh-high stiletto boots.

Ria Thielsch and Luv' backstage at Veronica's Sportgala filmed at the Eurocircuit in Valkenswaard (1990)

Photo edited by Marco Rens

In the December 6, 1990 issue of Story Magazine, Marga shared her thoughts on working with Ria for "Hasta Mañana": "Ria knew our new single was coming: Hasta Mañana,’ a modern track with a Spanish vibe, and she immediately understood the look I wanted: contemporary with a Spanish flair. She called me with something I’d love: exclusive Flaim outfits. They’re not easy to come by, but they’re perfect—comfortable, top-quality fabric, shiny with a subtle printed pattern, and undeniably sexy. Ria really knows how to dress an artist."

Story magazine - December 6, 1990: Marga Scheide very satisfied with the help of an ex-colleague: "Ria knows how sexy we can dress"

Photo montage by Marco Rens

During the autumn of 1990, Luv' promoted "Hasta Mañana" in the media (including TV performances on Sportgala (Veronica), Tineke (Veronica), and 5 Uur Show (RTL 4). Despite this exposure, the single didn't enter the hit parade. Though chart success was a distant memory, Luv' gave many live performances (private parties, corporate events, public shows, festivals...) and were present on the small screen.

TV performances

• November 20th, 1990: Sportgala: Auto-Maten (Veronica), Netherlands

• Unknown broadcast in December 1990: Tineke (RTL 4), Netherlands

• December 7th, 1990: 5 Uur Show (RTL 4), Netherlands

Commercial performance

Despite its artistic ambition, "Hasta Mañana" did not make it into Holland's two major hit parades: the Dutch Top 40 and the Nationale Top 100.

Tracklisting & release

Hasta Mañana

Original release by RCA/BMG Ariola Benelux B.V in October 1990

Front cover of "Hasta Mañana"

7" vinyl single (45 rpm)

• Side One: Hasta Mañana (Hé Kanjer!) - 3:57

Written by E.Mergency/E.Mergency - D.Force

• Side Two: Hasta Mañana (Hé Guapo!) - 3:57

Written by E.Mergency/E.Mergency - D.Force

122 BPM

Back cover of the 7" vinyl single of "Hasta Mañana"

CD Single

1. Hasta Mañana / Extended Version - 5:31

2. Hasta Mañana / Club Mix - 6:00

3. Hasta Mañana (Hé Kanjer!) / Single Version - 3:57

122 BPM

Written by E.Mergency/E.Mergency - D.Force

Hasta Mañana - CD single

Digital reissue

On June 11, 2021, Hasta Mañana became available on streaming platforms (Spotify,

Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music, and Deezer)

Credits:

Marga Scheide, Diana van Berlo & Carina Lemoine - vocals

Publisher: Black River Music

Produced and mixed by Hit Jam

Remixed by Hit Jam & Martin Boer (Extended Version - Club Mix)

Management: Volendam Music BV

Photography: Patricia Steur

Make-up: De Spin

Design: Meter

Source: Marco Rens, Martin Vink, Siegfried Stelte, Arnold Kroone, Luv' Weblog archives, Facebook (Official Luv', LUV' fan page, Ria Thielsch Fan Zone : Forever Yours), Wikipedia, Discogs.com, 45cat.com, Delpher.nl, YouTube...