Only Luv' & other chronicles (April - May 2025)

Photo edited by Marco Rens

• "Eeny Meeny Miny Moe (Matt Pop Album Mix)" as a preview for "Only Luv' - The Matt Pop Remixes"

In my previous article, I mentioned that on March 22nd, the website onlyluv.nl was launched, inviting fans to save the date: May 24th. Just a week later, on March 29th, a significant new project, initiated by Peter Boonstra, was officially announced via this website and social media.

On May 24th, 2025, Concerto Records will release the highly anticipated remix album Only Luv' – The Matt Pop Remixes. This collection features fresh, high-energy remixes of Luv’s songs by renowned remixer-producer Matt Pop, crafted using the original master tapes provided by Hans van Hemert and Universal Music. The album will be available on CD and as a limited-edition double vinyl in vibrant pink and blue pressings.

Click here for details about the tracklist and here to order a copy of the several editions.

In anticipation of this remix album, "Eeny Meeny Miny Moe (Matt Pop Album Mix)", which appears on "Only Luv'", was released as a single on digital platforms.

René van Ooijen conceived the music video for this remix, blending Luv's iconic 1979 performances of "Eeny Meeny Miny Moe" on AVRO's TopPop and Musikladen with vibrant photos by Karel Helmers.

Released on August 11th, 1979, Eeny Meeny Miny Moe's original version was Luv’s seventh single and part of their second album Lots of Luv’. Despite limited promotion, as the group was about to leave Phonogram-Philips for CNR-Carrere, the song charted across Europe, reaching #11 on the Dutch Top 40, #6 on the Dutch Nationale Hitparade, #9 on the Belgian BRT Top 30, #10 on the Belgian Ultratop, #36 on the German Musikmarkt chart, #8 on the Danish BT Hitlisten, and #17 on the Swiss Schweizer Hitparade. Its catchy chorus, based on a classic English children's rhyme, was influenced by Boney M’s Rasputin and became a classic Europop hit. Although Luv' was reluctant to promote the track due to their transition between labels, Eeny Meeny Miny Moe still found success in the youth market. The song was made available on digital platforms in 2014.

When Matt Pop and Peter Boonstra began the Only Luv' remix project, they didn’t expect to find the original multitrack tapes of Eeny Meeny Miny Moe — a track not even on their initial shortlist. But when the recordings surfaced from Universal’s archives, they uncovered hidden vocals, melodies, and instrumental details that inspired an energetic new remix. Matt restructured the song with a more club-friendly feel, highlighted previously buried "La La La" vocals, and added fresh dynamics. The result is a vibrant, modern version that stays true to Luv’s spirit, making it the perfect choice as the album’s lead single.

• Luv' in Privé: How will Patty react to Luv's new album? (April 23rd)

The April 23rd issue of Privé magazine featured an article about the Only Luv' remix album, with the Luv' ladies gracing the cover. The article speculated on how Patty Brard might react to the release of the album.

To the fans' disappointment, there has always been tension between the former Luv' members: Patty Brard, the diva, versus Marga Scheide and José Hoebee, who have maintained a good relationship with each other. Ten years ago, Peter Boonstra published "The Story of Luv'", a photo book supported by Marga and José, which included exclusive pictures and a CD compilation of the group’s greatest hits and two Matt Pop remixes. However, Patty opposed the project and attempted to have the book banned. This led to a conflict between La Brard and her former colleagues, Marga and José, who supported the initiative. The book’s sale was eventually halted due to copyright issues regarding some of the photographs, a decision that deeply disappointed fans and reignited the feud between Patty and her ex-bandmates, as well as Peter Boonstra.

Peter told Privé magazine how he decided to try his luck again with the release of Only Luv' – The Matt Pop Remixes. Once more, Marga and José are fully supportive of the project. "This was one of the final projects of producer Hans van Hemert,” Peter explained. "It will be released on both CD and double vinyl. Together with Matt Pop, we created an exclusive remix album featuring new versions of classic Luv' hits. The accompanying booklet includes rare photos and stories about Luv’s golden years. José also contributed personal reflections on the group’s success, and former Privé photographer Karel Helmers provided the imagery.”

Unlike The Story of Luv', everything has been properly organized this time: Patty has no veto power over the photos, and the music rights have been officially cleared with Hans van Hemert's heirs. This time, Miss Brard has no grounds to block or sabotage the project.

Luv's songs are timeless and still used in TV shows and films. For example, Patty performed them during her recent Panther Party on March 14th at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam.

• Marga's Opinion on Soundos El Ahmadi Joining Holland's Got Talent Jury (April 30th)

In the April 30th issue of Story magazine, Marga Scheide took part in a celebrity panel commenting on Soundos El Ahmadi's appointment as a new jury member on Holland's Got Talent, replacing Edson da Graça, who stepped down due to his commitment to hosting Expeditie Robinson.

Marga shared her reservations about the casting choice: "No, she’s quite outspoken — one of those people you either love or dislike. And that’s not ideal for someone on a jury. It draws too much attention to your personality, and we’re already seeing that happen".

Other Dutch celebrities weighing in on the topic included Sjoukje Smit (aka Maggie MacNeal), Tineke de Nooij, Marga Bult, and Johan Vlemmix.

• "You're the Greatest Lover" on Radio Veronica's Top 1000 van de '70s (April 14th)

On April 14th, Radio Veronica revealed its Top 1000 classic hits from the 1970s, based on listener votes. Luv's signature song, "You're the Greatest Lover," reached #689. Click here to view the complete list.

• New Luv' Dolls (April 27th)

On April 27th, "CW Miniaturen Dolls" shared photos on its Facebook page of custom Luv' dolls dressed in hot pants and high heels, replicating the group's iconic 1978 poster.

• Radio Special on DitisHelmond – May 28th

A release party for Only Luv' – The Matt Pop Remixes will take place on May 24th at Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum. On this occasion, radio host Anton van Stekelenborg-Poirters will record a special program featuring interviews with Luv’s Marga Scheide and José Hoebee, remixer Matt Pop, and fans. The radio special will be broadcast on May 28th at 2:00 PM on DitisHelmond.

Source: Marco Rens, Official Luv', Only Luv', Privé, Story, Anton van Stekelenborg-Poirters, CW Miniaturen Dolls...