Vangelis, the electronic-music pioneer who won an Oscar for Chariots of Fire and composed such other landmark film scores as Blade Runner, died Tuesday in France while being treated for COVID-19.
I was a big fan of Vangelis, going back to before he teamed up with Jon Anderson for several hit singles and became an acclaimed film composer, so tonight PopCult pays tribute to Vangelis Papathanassíou with a prety wild concert video of the man from 1991. Tomorrow, Herman Linte will present a tribute to Vangelis in a special mixtape episode of Prognosis, on The AIR.
This concert was organized by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs to promote and celebrate the “Eureka Project”; an initiative to stimulate international scientific cooperation between European companies. Vangelis was asked to provide the highlight of the event.
At the docks in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. A floating stage was built. Vangelis sat in the middle, surrounded by his synths and some classically Greek styled props. He was supported by a choir.
To accompany the music, some buildings in the neighborhood were used for projections with colors and laser animations. In addition, there were participating helicopters, boats and mobile cranes.
Jon Anderson appeared as a guest for the “Italian Song” and Markella Hatziano (who reportedly tripped over the wiring afterwards) appeared for “Glorianna.”
It’s a cool way to remember a pioneering musician who left a grand musical legacy.
This is the first I’ve heard of Vangelis’ passing. I’m sincerely shocked and saddened.