Morir a tu lado demis roussos biography

1. Biography of Demis Roussos
2. Early Life and Musical Education
3. Formation of Aphrodite's Child
4. Move to Paris and Solo Career
5. Weight Loss and Literary Success
6. Influence in Music and Film
7. Hostage Situation and Personal Life

Biography of Demis Roussos

Demis Roussos (real name Artemios Ventouris Roussos) was born on June 15, 1946, in Alexandria, the second-largest city in Egypt. His parents had Italian and Greek origins, with his mother being a well-known singer and dancer under the pseudonym Nelly Mazlum, and his father being an engineer with a passion for music. In 1956, after the Suez Crisis, his family lost most of their belongings and made the decision to move to Greece.

Early Life and Musical Education

Demis grew up as an intelligent and talented boy. He had a good singing voice, and his parents enrolled him in the choir of the Greek Byzantine Church. Spending five years in the church, Demis learned music theory and how to play the guitar, double bass, trumpet, and organ.

Formation of Aphrodite's Child

As he grew older, Demis began to think about forming his own group. In 1963, he met Lucas Sideras and Vangelis, talented musicians who also aspired to have successful careers. They decided to form the group "Aphrodite's Child," with Demis as the vocalist, Vangelis on the keyboard and songwriting, and Lucas as the drummer. The band gained their first fame with the songs "The Other People" and "Plastics Nevermore," showcasing a mix of art-rock, progressive rock, and electronic music.

Move to Paris and Solo Career

In 1968, a military coup took place in Greece, and Demis and his bandmates moved to Paris. There, they became popular, with their single "Rain & Tears" reaching the top of the charts. They released albums like "End of the World" (1968) and "It's Five O'Clock" (1969). However, Demis decided to leave the group and pursue a solo career.

His first solo album, "Fire and Ice" (1971), was followed by the release of "Forever and Ever" (1973), which brought him worldwide fame and is considered his best work. Despite not all of his albums being successful, Demis Roussos maintained his popularity through his live performances, captivating audiences with his charismatic stage presence and tender lyrical voice.

Weight Loss and Literary Success

Demis Roussos struggled with excess weight for a significant part of his life. Nonetheless, he managed to lose 55 kilograms and wrote a bestselling book titled "How I Lost Weight" about his experience. According to Demis, losing weight is easy through reducing salt, fat, and bread intake, eating more fruits and vegetables, having a weekly fasting day, and engaging in physical activities.

Influence in Music and Film

Demis Roussos also left his mark in the film industry. In 1981, he collaborated with Vangelis to create soundtracks for the cult films "Chariots of Fire" and "Blade Runner." Their music was highly acclaimed and received several prestigious awards.

Hostage Situation and Personal Life

In 1985, Demis Roussos faced a terrifying ordeal when he and his future wife Pamela were held hostage by Hezbollah terrorists aboard a plane. After spending several days in captivity, Demis and eight other hostages were eventually released in exchange for a third accomplice of the terrorists. This incident changed his perspective on life, although he preferred not to dwell on it.

Demis Roussos passed away on January 25, 2015, in a hospital in Athens. He was laid to rest on January 30 at the First Cemetery of Athens, where many Greek politicians and cultural figures are buried. He left behind two children, his son Cyril residing in Greece, and his daughter Emilia living in Paris. Demis Roussos sold 60 million copies of his albums throughout his career, establishing himself as the most successful Greek artist. His influence on lyrical and romantic music remains significant, and his fans believe that his voice will live on as long as his music is played.