From Norway...with Luv'!

Photo edited by Marco Rens

The latest issue of the Norwegian magazine "Ren nostalgi for alle...80 Tallet", dealing with pop culture from the 1980s, features an interview with Marga Scheide, former member of Holland's greatest girl group Luv'.

Norwegian historian and 1980s pop expert Geir Åsen first got in touch with the Official Luv' Fan Page on Facebook to ask for an interview with Marga, who took part in all the incarnations of Luv'. Then, the trio's former tour manager David Hay Gibson facilitated the contact between Geir and Marga.

Here's the English translation of Marga's interview conducted by Geir Asen:

How did Luv' come about, and when would you say the big breakthrough came?

Luv’ was formed in 1977, and our breakthrough came when we recorded the theme tune for a Dutch TV comedy program called “Waldolala", which was a nightclub and was televised weekly from February 1978 to April 1978.

Our song Waldolala being the theme tune was played so often that it became a huge hit in the Netherlands and Belgium and pushed Luv’ into the “spotlights of the pop world.”

What other artists have inspired you?

My greatest inspiration came from the fabulous Dusty Springfield. Dusty could sing everything from pop, soul, jazz to the blues. I used to sing along with her in my car. Dusty had a magnificent range!

What would you say is the biggest difference between artists today versus those in the 70s and 80s?

Artists in the 70s and 80s had more of their own identity with their styling and presentation. Our stage clothes formed an important part of our image. Nowadays it’s much more relaxed, and almost anything goes.

As a private person, what kind of interests do you have outside of music, and what should a perfect day off be like?

I am very “sport minded” and still enjoy playing tennis and golf and love to go sailing in our boat. I am quite creative and enjoy making things. I also designed and made many of Luv's stage costumes throughout the years!

Understandably, Luv' had to stop all activity due to José Hoebee's health. Do you think Luv' will come back?

We have no idea if Luv’ shall ever perform again. José sadly has ongoing health issues which have yet to be solved.

A career of over 40 years and more than 7 million records sold is an incredible success (1977-2020). Did you think at the time that the group would last that long?

We never really thought about how long we would last as a group. What we did know is that every act has “highs and lows”, and one day it all comes to an end.

What is your best memory from the 70s and 80s?

My best memories from the 70s and 80s were our successes at home and abroad, our many golden discs and awards and all the travel and fun we had together!

What kind of relationship do you have with Norway, and why do you think Norwegian fans value your music so highly?

When I was travelling in Japan in the 70s, I met a Norwegian lady, Marianne Mørk, who became a special life-long friend to this very day. I think that the Norwegians like the happy sound in our songs.

If you could travel back to the 70s or 80s. What year would you travel back to and spend a day?

I would most definitely travel back to 1978 and 1979, the years in which we had most of our hits, travel and fun!

Do you want to send a special greeting to the Norwegian fans?

Of course, I should like to thank our Norwegian fans from the bottom of my heart for their loyalty, support and enthusiasm throughout our entire career during the past 44 years.

Click here to read my previous article about Luv's brief success in Norway.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Luv' were big for a short and intense time in many European territories, including Norway.

The million-selling single "Trojan Horse" reached the Norwegian charts in the Spring of 1979.

The June 2nd, 1979 edition of Halden Arbeiderblad published a hit parade of May, including Trojan Horse peaking at #6.

On November 28th, 1979, Drammens Tidende og Buskeruds Blad published a short article about Luv'.

During Luv's successful years, Norway only had one TV channel: NRK. It meant that pop bands that appeared on this TV network could take advantage of a huge exposure on the small screen. On June 6th, 1980, the All You Need Is Luv' TV special was broadcast on NRK. On November 19th, 1978, Dutch TROS channel initially aired this program filmed in Holland. This TV show generated lots of publicity in the Land of Fjords. Luv' were described as "singers who were well on their way to achieving the international reputation of Baccara and Boney M.". To prove their popularity on the European marketplace, Norwegian papers mentioned their numerous TV appearances in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Spain.

Lofotposten, May 29th, 1980

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