Renowned Greek singer Manolis Lidakis has passed away at the age of 65. The esteemed artist had been facing health issues in recent years and had been hospitalised.
Lidakis, known for his emotive voice and contributions to Greek music, had performed in Australia both as a solo artist and alongside Eleni Dimou. He also participated in concerts organised by Greek Australian composer Tasos Ioannidis.
Born in Heraklion, Crete, on February 28, 1960, as Emmanouil Spyrilidakis, Lidakis began his musical studies at the age of nine, learning guitar, wind instruments, and music theory. Between 1970 and 1977, he played euphonium and trumpet in Heraklion’s philharmonic orchestras. His career took off in 1982 when he participated in the television show ‘Na i Efkairia’ and released his debut album Meta Apo Sena, composed by Giorgos Katsaros.
Lidakis signed with Sony Music in 1988 and gained widespread popularity with his 1990 album Oute Pou Rotisa. Over the years, he collaborated with notable artists, including Yiannis Parios, Eleni Dimou, and Yiannis Markopoulos, establishing himself in the modern entechno and laïkó music genres.
Beyond his mainstream career, Lidakis also explored Cretan music, reinterpreting traditional rizitika and folk songs in albums such as Kokkino Akrogiali. His influences included legendary artists like Nikos Xylouris, Stelios Kazantzidis, and Haroula Alexiou.
In 2001, he released Yliko Oneiron, collaborating with Giorgos Andreou, Lakis Lazopoulos, and Alkis Alkaios, among others. His later albums, such as To Kleidi (2004) and Os Sou’cho Pei (2005), featured renowned composers and lyricists, further cementing his place in Greek music history. His 2007 album Aystiros Laikon was a tribute to classic laïkó songs by Vassilis Tsitsanis, Mikis Theodorakis, and Apostolos Kaldaras.
His final discography entry, Mi Mou Gkremizeis To Oneiro (2009), featured a collaboration with Pantelis Thalassinos, and in 2024, he recorded Rigma, written by Manos Tsilimides with music by Sokratis Malamas.
Despite his success, Lidakis led a private and introspective life. He openly spoke about his struggles with depression and substance abuse. In 2009, he was arrested for possession of drugs, an experience he later reflected on as a turning point in his life. His battle with personal demons did not overshadow his artistic integrity, as he remained committed to singing songs that resonated with his soul.
In his final years, he faced health complications, which led to canceled performances. After undergoing surgery, he relocated to Kato Gouves, Heraklion, to recover. It was there that his life’s journey came to an end.
Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni expressed her condolences, stating: “With sadness, I learned of the passing of Manolis Lidakis, a multifaceted artist who leaves our music scene poorer. He was a humble artist who prioritised artistic dedication over excessive public exposure.”
