Ria Thielsch's birthday: From Pop Stardom to Family Life

Today, Ria Thielsch – best known as a member of Dutch pop group Luv’ during two distinct periods (1980–1981 and 2016–2018) alongside Marga Scheide and José Hoebee – celebrates her 74th birthday.

More than six years after her final departure from the group, and over five years since Luv’ officially disbanded, Ria enjoys a quieter life in her hometown of Amsterdam, surrounded by family and friends. She is now a proud mother and grandmother, far removed from the pressures of her pop career.

Her two stints with Luv’ could not have been more different. When she first joined in 1980, she faced the daunting task of replacing Patty Brard, who had suddenly left the group at the height of its fame. Luv’ had been a hit machine since 1978, and the stakes were high due to their contracts with CNR/Carrere. Despite the pressure, Ria quickly won over fans. The single "My Number One" and the album "Forever Yours" were successful on the Dutch and Flemish charts in late 1980, confirming her place in the trio.

But behind the scenes, stress was mounting. Marga Scheide’s burnout, intensified by relentless tabloid scrutiny, forced the group to halt activities in March 1981. Luv’s supposed farewell came that summer, with a final TV performance of "Tingalingaling" on Veronica’s "Nederland Muziekland". A compilation album, "Goodbye Luv’", followed in September 1981, marking what was thought to be the end of the group.

After her first exit from the pop world, Ria returned to her roots in fashion, continuing the modeling career she had started before Luv’.

More than three decades later, in 2016, she reunited with Marga and José for a comeback. This time, the experience was more relaxed. Ria successfully toured the nostalgia circuit with Luv' in the Netherlands and Flanders and attended public events until she left the group in December 2018. At the time, the trio was backed by tour manager David Hay Gibson, with bookings in the Netherlands handled by Jan Vis Artiesten & Evenementen and in Flanders by Koen de Smet Theaterbureau.

On May 23, 2016, Luv' were interviewed by Tineke de Nooij on her program "TinekeShow" on NPO Radio 5

Marco Rens, José Hoebee, Karin Angeleyes, Marga Scheide, Ria Thielsch, Michael Verkooyen, and Pierre Brouwers at the release party of Stany Van Wijmeersch's book "We All Love ABBA" at the Harbour Club in Amsterdam on May 28, 2016.

Luv' and Dutch illusionist Hans Klok backstage at the Royal Theatre Carré in Amsterdam on September 18, 2016

Luv' backstage at the reopening party of the shopping center "De Els" in Walwijk, the Netherlands on May 20, 2017:

Luv' with their tour manager David Hay Gibson

Luv' with Dyon Hagenaars and Ger Valkenburg

Luv' at the "Yesterdayland" festival at the Bobbejaanland theme park in Lichtaart, Belgium on August 27, 2017

Luv' at Goes Couture Night (in association with Ger Valkenburg and Dyon Hagenaars of DC Models) at the Grote Kerk (Mary Magdalene church) in Goes, the Netherlands on September 22, 2017:

Luv' with Brigitte Vis (of Jan Vis Artiesten & Evenementen) in 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands on October 31, 2017

Luv' at the 5e Hams Schlagerfestival in Hamme, Belgium on 10 November 10, 2017:

Luv' with photo journalist Robert Hoetink backstage at the Hams Schlagerfestival (2017)

Frans Bauer and Ria Thielsch in Ulicoten, the Netherlands, on June 22, 2018

Luv' with Lars Lamborelle backstage at Zomerparkfeest in Venlo, the Netherlands, on August 11, 2018

Luv' at the Grand Amrath Kurhaus in Scheveningen, the Netherlands, for the 3rd Nobel Gala - Childright Fund on November 17, 2018

At 74, Ria Thielsch looks back on a career that bridged glamour and enduring fan affection – but today, she embraces the simple joys of life.

Source: Ria Thielsch, Marco Rens, Facebook (Official Luv' and Ria Thielsch Fan Zone: Forever Yours)