The Wind of Change of Summer 1990: Carina Lemoine Joined Luv' 35 Years Ago

Photo credits: Martin Vink, Ronald, Official Luv', Carina Lemoine

Carina Lemoine in 1991

Exactly thirty-five years ago, on July 23, 1990, 21-year-old Dutch pop singer Carina Lemoine made her live debut as a member of Luv'. She had just replaced British vocalist Michelle Gold, joining Marga Scheide (the group’s only original member) and Diana van Berlo in a refreshed lineup. The performance took place at Discotheque Pavillon in Valkenburg aan de Geul, the Netherlands. It was a delightful first introduction to Carina, and this formation of Luv' would go on to perform together for the next two and a half years. Longtime Luv' fans, including Martin Vink, Peter Pommelet, Michael Verkooyen, and Peter Boonstra, were there to witness this memorable moment firsthand. Today, we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Carina Lemoine’s joining Luv'.

Carina Lemoine's first show with Luv' at Discotheque Pavillon in Valkenburg aan de Geul on July 23, 1990

Martin Vink backstage with Luv'

A look back at the events that unfolded in the two years leading to Carina's arrival with Luv'.

On October 27, 1988, the original trio (Patty Brard, Marga Scheide and José Hoebee) surprised fans by appearing on the TV charity show "Samen" hosted by Mies Bouwman on AVRO. They sang their signature song, "You're the Greatest Lover", more than seven years after the group's first break-up.

Luv' on "Samen" (1988)

Photo courtesy of © Official Luv' Fan Page & Beeld en Geluid

Following their appearance, rumours began circulating that Luv' were planning a comeback, and there was speculation that the British production trio Stock, Aitken & Waterman (known for producing hits for artists like Rick Astley, Mel & Kim, Kylie Minogue, and Bananarama) might make a new album for the group. However, despite the buzz, no collaboration with "The Hit Factory" ever materialized.

Luv' pressed forward with plans for a reunion. In April 1989, José decided not to participate, instead focusing on her family, particularly her son, Tim. 23-year-old Diana van Berlo replaced her.

Patty, Marga, and Diana started recording new material. But in early August 1989, Patty suddenly left Luv' as she signed a contract with the newly created RTL Veronique channel. A replacement had to be found. Marga recruited a talented vocalist, 29-year-old Michelle Gold.

In early October 1989, the group released a dance-pop single titled "Welcome To My Party", produced by British producer Nigel Wright and heavily influenced by the iconic sound of "Stock, Aitken & Waterman". Although the song did not achieve the commercial success of Luv's late 1970s hits, it reached #19 on the Nationale Hitparade Top 100 and #22 on the Dutch Top 40 in the Netherlands, as well as #28 on the Flemish BRT Top 30 and #39 on the Ultratop Flanders in Belgium.

Luv's 1989 lineup

In November 1989, Luv' released their mini-album "For You" through High Fashion Dance Music/Dureco. This record included four songs that were released as singles: the above-mentioned chart hit "Welcome to My Party", as well as "I Don't Wanna Be Lonely", "Girl Like Me", and "Medley" (also known as the LUV Hit-Medley).

In the meantime, Franky Rampen (aka Justian), part of the duo Justian & Mandy with former Frizzle Sizzle member Mandy Huydts, launched a charity music project inspired by Band Aid and USA for Africa. With the help of Marga's partner, record producer Jacques Zwart, a supergroup called the All Stars was formed, featuring Luv', Justian & Mandy, and several Dutch pop acts including Desray (later of 2 Brothers on the 4th Floor), MC Miker G, Marjon (Frizzle Sizzle), Jetty Weels (Mai Tai, performing as "Oscare"), Nando, and the girl group Sisters. Together, they recorded a cover of "Starmaker", a song popularised initially in 1982 by the Kids from Fame. Proceeds from the single supported Terre des Hommes, a Dutch-based children’s rights organisation.

The project was promoted through various holiday season TV performances. The single's commercial performance fell short of expectations. On the Dutch National Top 100, Starmaker debuted at #72 on January 6, 1990, reached #57 two weeks later, and remained on the chart for a total of four weeks.

The All Stars (featuring Luv') performing "Starmaker" on Passage (NCRV), December 1989

As the charity single entered the Dutch singles chart, the Algemeen Dagblad published a sensationalist article in its January 8, 1990, edition, titled "An Uncertain Future for Luv". Although Welcome to My Party's presence on the hit parade, the group was dissatisfied with their live performance arrangements under the booking agency Europop. In search of better opportunities, they switched to a new agency, Volendam Music. During this transition, rumours emerged that Michelle Gold had joined Candy Dulfer’s backing band.

Algemeen Dagblad - January 8, 1990: Uncertain Future for Luv’

Click here to read the article online.

A week later, Luv’ firmly denied the rumour that Michelle was leaving the group to collaborate with Candy Dulfer. "I’m furious. A rival girl group — which I won’t name — started spreading rumours that I’m about to leave Luv’, implying it could mean the end of the group," Michelle stated in the January 15, 1990, edition of Algemeen Dagblad. "I’m tired of this discussion. Things are going well with Luv’, and I have no intention of joining Candy Dulfer or letting the girls down. We just released our new single, "I Don’t Wanna Be Lonely", earlier this week. In a few months, we’re heading to Japan to promote a medley of our old hits. That same record will also be released in West Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Me leaving Luv’? I’d have to be crazy,” she added.

Algemeen Dagblad - January 15, 1990: Luv' is angry

Click here to read the article online.

Photo edited by Marco Rens

In a January 22, 1990 article in Algemeen Dagblad, John Seine of Europop — the booking agency responsible for organizing live performances for artists such as Rebby Jackson (Michael Jackson’s older sister), Boney M., Rob & Raz featuring Leila K, The 2 Live Crew, Tony Scott, and MC Miker G — shared his perspective on why Luv' parted ways with his agency. "When Michelle, Diana, and Marga started with us in October, we booked fourteen live shows for November, December, and January,” Seine explained. "That’s a solid number, especially considering that a Luv' performance costs 7,000 Dutch guilders, which isn’t cheap." As for the group’s departure, he added: "Why did they leave us? I don’t know — it must be a matter of opinion. Luv' is history. I’m focused on other projects now.”

Algemeen Dagblad - January 22, 1990: Europop and Luv'

Click here to read the article online.

Despite the commercial failure of I Don’t Wanna Be Lonely and Hit-Medley — the follow-up singles to Welcome to My Party and Starmaker — the Dutch press remained interested in Luv’.

Hitkrant - February 10, 1990: Luv's foreign adventures (including Bulgaria, Sri Lanka and Saint Martin

Click here to read the article online

Story, February 16, 1990: Michelle describes how Khaled Farid, a persistent fan from Kuwait, made repeated efforts to connect with her.

Algemeen Dagblad - March 26th, 1990: Luv' performed at a student hall of residence in Leiden, Netherlands. Prince Friso attended the show and was a fan of Michelle.

Click here to read the article online

In June 1990, Michelle Gold left the group because she could no longer cope with the frequent round trips between the UK and Holland.

Story, June 29, 1990: Luv' in trouble again - British Michelle Gold leaves the group

Despite Michelle's departure from Luv', Marga and Diana wanted to go on and searched for a new singer.

De Telegraaf - July 12, 1990: Luv' searching for a new singer - Manager Jaap Buys discusses the situation.

Click here to read the article online

Marga and her team organized auditions at Wisseloord studios in Hilversum to find the ideal replacement for Michelle. Out of more than 1,000 applicants, Carina Lemoine, a secretary from Velsen, the Netherlands, was selected as the new member of Luv’. Like José Hoebee, Diana van Berlo, and Michelle Gold before they joined Luv', Carina was an experienced vocalist. Prior to her recruitment into the girl group, she had already released four solo singles.

I Love Disco / Walkman ‎(7" Single), Mercury, 1981

Oh Lieve Papa / 'k Hou Van Disco ‎(7" Single), Mercury, 1982

Mama, Hij Wil Zo Graag Een Zoen / Een Beetje Liefde ‎(7" Single)

Big Lift Records, 1984

The Hour Comes Nigh / Stay With Me ‎(7" Single), Corduroy Records, 1986

Carina reflected on her recruitment into Luv’ during an interview broadcast last year, on October 26, 2024, by Dutch local radio station RTV Seaport. "I got in touch with Luv’s manager, who was looking for a new member after Marga Scheide relaunched the group with new singers," she recalled. "I auditioned at Wisseloord Studios — the same place where I had previously recorded my first solo singles. Out of 1,000 girls, I was selected," she said. Carina went on to describe the moment she found out: "Marga invited me to her home, but didn’t immediately tell me I had been chosen. We went out on a boat, and the other girl, Diana van Berlo, was there too. We hit it off right away. Then Marga casually said, ‘For your information, you’re part of the group."

Carina described her first performance with Luv’ as feeling like she was taking an exam. "I had to learn new songs and choreography, and my debut show with the group took place in Valkenburg, in front of 2,000 people," she recalled. "Afterwards, Marga told me, ‘It was as if you’ve always been part of the group. You’re made for this.’ Singing is part of who I am — I truly feel at home on stage. I really enjoyed performing with the other two girls. It was an entirely new experience."

Following this debut, the Dutch press began publishing stories about Luv’s new member.

Story - August 3, 1990: A secretary saves Luv'

Veronica Magazine - September 8, 1990: New, newer, newest: Luv'

In the September 15, 1990, issue of Privé magazine, Carina explained that she wanted success. "I want to be world-famous like my favourite singer, Whitney Houston. I am committed to working hard to achieve this goal. Luv' is my first big chance. I hope I'll achieve this aim," she asserted.

Privé - September 15, 1990: Carina Lemoine: "I just want to be famous"

Carina's next step was the recording of a single with Luv'. But that's another story...

Source: Luv' weblog archives, Martin Vink, Marco Rens, Delpher, Toen gisteren nog vandaag was...