Two Acts, One Echo: Luv’ and Sheila in Parallel (1977 - 1980, 1990s-present)

Luv' Vs Sheila & B. Devotion

In October 1979, Luv' signed an exclusive and lucrative record deal with CNR (a label affiliated with the French company Carrere).

De Telegraaf - October 8, 1979: Luv' and their team (songwriter-arranger Piet Souer and manager Pim ter Linde) celebrating their contract with CNR/Carrere (Ruud Wijnants and Bart van der Laar)

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Before this contract, Luv's previous label, Philips/Phonogram, had already licensed the rights for some records (including the singles You're the Greatest Lover and Trojan Horse, as well as the With Luv' album) to Carrere in Germany.

Among the label mates of the ladies at Carrere was the French disco group Sheila & B. Devotion (fronted by pop singer Sheila), whose heyday coincided with Luv's glory years (1977 - 1980).

Billboard Benelux (January 18, 1980 issue for the Midem '80), including the CNR/Carrere roster of artists featuring Luv' (Ooh, Yes I Do) and Sheila & B. Devotion (Spacer) - Courtesy of S.Swart and the Official Luv' Fan Page (Facebook):

In 1993, inspired by the success of the ABBA and Boney M. gold compilations, Arcade Records released Luv' Gold, which sold 40,000 copies in the Low Countries. The release party for this anthology took place at De It club, then the biggest gay disco in Amsterdam. In early 1998, Arcade used the same strategy for Sheila in France by releasing the compilation of re-recorded classics "Le Meilleur de Sheila" and organizing a release event at Le Queen, then the largest gay club in Paris.

During the 2000s and 2010s, both Luv' and Sheila toured the nostalgia circuit within their respective countries.

Currently, Luv’ and Sheila are gold acts as their biggest hits are played on oldie radio stations, and their songs are covered by contemporary acts or remixed by trendy DJs.

Source: Luv' weblog archives, Facebook (Official Luv'), YouTube...