Singer Demis Roussos dies aged 68

Greek singing star, who had a string of hits in the 1970s, has died aged 68

A file phoptograph taken on December 15th, 2006 in Paris, shows Greek singer Demis Roussos performing on the stage of the Zenith music hall. Roussos has died at the age of 68. Photograph: Agencies
A file phoptograph taken on December 15th, 2006 in Paris, shows Greek singer Demis Roussos performing on the stage of the Zenith music hall. Roussos has died at the age of 68. Photograph: Agencies

Greek singing star Demis Roussos, who had a string of hits in the 1970s and whose flamboyant style inspired satirists, has died aged 68.

Roussos, with his flowing locks and a trademark kaftan covering a generous waistband, had six Top 40 hits in two years in the 1970s including a number one with an EP featuring his most famous track Forever And Ever.

He was a regular target for parody, with comics including Freddie Starr and The Grumbleweeds taking aim at him, but was immortalised for many in the Mike Leigh TV play Abigail's Party.

The scene where Alison Steadman’s character’s expressed her devotion to Roussos who she says “doesn’t sound” fat is regularly replayed.

READ SOME MORE

Roussos, who died in Athens, said his success in the UK was down to the rise of foreign holidays.

He told The Scotsman: "The reason for my big success in England was the Brits - they started wanting to go on holidays, like Spain and Greece. My music came right on time. It was romantic Mediterranean music addressed to all the people who wanted to go on holiday. My music was liked by the people."

Fans of Roussos, who also played with Vangelis in the prog-rock band Aphrodite's Child, paid tribute online, with many posting clips and quotes from Abigail's Party.

Agencies