On September 13th, Patty Brard appeared on BNNVARA/NPO 1's talk show "Khalid & Sophie", which drew 501.000 viewers (market share: 15.6%). The diva discussed the 50th anniversary of Disco Music. Click here to watch the excerpt from the program featuring Patty Brard and media personality Gerard Ekdom.
Fifty years ago, American writer Vince Aletti was the first to describe disco as a sound or a music genre. He wrote the feature article "Discotheque Rock Paaaaarty", published in Rolling Stone magazine in September 1973.
In the 1970s, disco music was developed further, mainly by artists from the United States and Europe. Well-known artists included the Bee Gees, ABBA, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Giorgio Moroder, Baccara, Boney M., Earth Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan, Chic, KC and the Sunshine Band, Thelma Houston, Sister Sledge, Sylvester, The Trammps, Diana Ross, Kool and the Gang & the Village People. Even though disco was passé in the early 1980s, its influence never disappeared. Disco later changed into Hi-NRJ, House Music, Dance Music, Nu-Disco and EDM. In recent years, artists like Daft Punk, Cher, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Bruno Mars and Dua Lipa released material highly inspired by disco music. This beloved genre saw the emergence of DJs who, to this day, are still powerful.
Luv's heyday (1977-1981) coincided with the golden age of disco. Holland's greatest girl trio shared the same European record charts with disco acts.
Luv' on Het Is Weer Zo Laat! (Waldolala) in 1978
Photo edited by Marco Rens
The Netherlands also contributed to disco music in the late 1970s and 1980s with acts like Luv', Patricia Paay, Dolly Dots, Spargo, Stars on 45, and Mai Tai.
Luv's first attempt to make disco music was their single "U.O.Me", the theme song from the high-rated VPRO series "Het is weer zo laat!" (aka Waldolala) in early 1978. This record was the group's breakthrough hit in the Low Countries. "I used to live in America for a while. I was a big soul fan, including Stevie Wonder. It evolved into disco. Then it came to the Netherlands. I was surprised that we (Luv') were considered "disco". It's because of Sjef van Oekel, who had a TV show called "Waldolala", which was also a racy night club," Patty explained. "I was very enthusiastic. We had a colleague who was a prude. I don't want to mention her name: José. Ahaha. She said: "I don't want to be on the show with a vulgar dress with a slit up the side". But Marga and I thought it was a great idea as this VPRO program aired weekly. It became an instant hit," Patty added.
Patty reacting to Luv's Waldolala
When Miss Brard was married to the Italian music publisher and record producer Carlo Nasi in the 1980s, she lived in California and often went out. "I lived in Los Angeles. We went often to New York on the weekend. I don't remember the details or know which disco it was (Studio 54?). People were queuing at the club's front door, but we didn't need to do it and could enter immediately," Patty said. "The Studio 54 owners didn't pay their taxes, and after two years, they had to shut down the club. The day before they went to jail, they gave a "pre-prison party". Diana Ross sang on this occasion," the former Luv' singer asserted.
Patty told a funny anecdote about Grace Jones: "I remember Grace Jones was in the Netherlands. We were in a suite at Hôtel de l'Europe. It was so noisy. We were in a bathrobe and drinking a costly bottle of red wine. Grace and I hid behind the mini-bar because we didn't want to be recognized. We had to pay a pricey hotel bill".
The Shownieuws star praised disco music: "It's a timeless genre. Calvin Harris, a famous DJ, got married last weekend. He rented a nice property in Glastonbury. Guess who he asked to play at his wedding? Nile Rodgers & Chic. They had the time of their lives".
Moreover, other guests discussed other subjects on "Khalid & Sophie". Dutch politician Frans Timmermans was one of them. In July 2023, he announced his intention to become the Netherlands's next Prime Minister and contest the 2023 general election for the GroenLinks–PvdA alliance. On August 22nd, 2023, he was elected as the lead candidate by members of both parties.
One of Timmermans' favourite topics is increasing taxes. The politician leader wants to introduce a "millionaire tax". "People who are millionaires in the Netherlands and earn a lot of money should also contribute more to what we collectively need. You will have to ensure that you let people contribute honestly to the future of the Netherlands," Timmermans said. When he pronounced the word 'millionaires', the cameras showed the Talpa stars Gerard Ekdom and Patty Brard with sad faces. La Brard posted a backstage picture with the left-wing politician on Instagram the same day she appeared on "Khalid & Sophie". When did she post it? Before or after Timmermans targeted millionaires like her?
Source: BNNVARA, NPO 1, NMO, Mediacourant, Luvgirlgroup website archives...