The body of legendary Greek musician Dionysis Savvopoulos was placed in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens on Saturday morning, where friends, colleagues, and admirers came to pay their final respects. The public viewing lasted from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. and burial at the First Cemetery of Athens.
Λαϊκό προσκύνημα στο παρεκκλήσι της Μητρόπολης Αθηνών για τον Διονύση Σαββόπουλο. Σάββατο 25 Οκτωβρίου 2025 (ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ / EUROKINISSI)
Savvopoulos, who passed away on Tuesday, October 21, at the age of 81, had been hospitalized since early October due to heart complications after years of battling cancer.
Family’s Wish
In a public statement, the artist’s family requested that instead of wreaths, donations be made to the Music Department of the Ionian University, where Savvopoulos had taught, or to the Department of Music Science and Art at the University of Macedonia in his hometown, Thessaloniki.
Λαϊκό προσκύνημα στο παρεκκλήσι της Μητρόπολης Αθηνών για τον Διονύση Σαββόπουλο. Σάββατο 25 Οκτωβρίου 2025 (ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ / EUROKINISSI)
A Life in Music and Ideas
Born in Thessaloniki in 1944, Savvopoulos abandoned his law studies in the early 1960s to pursue music, hitchhiking to Athens — an experience that inspired his first album. His career began in 1964 with performances alongside Maria Farantouri and Manos Loizos.
***** ÐÑÏÓÏ×Ç – ÓÇÌÅÉÙÓÇ ÃÉÁ ÔÏÍ ÁÑ×ÉÓÕÍÔÁÊÔÇ ****** Ç öùôïãñáößá Ý÷åé ëçöèåß ÷ùñßò ôç ñçôÞ Üäåéá ôùí åéêïíéæüìåíùí. Ç äçìïóßåõóç ôùí ÷áñáêôçñéóôéêþí ôïõò ãßíåôáé áðïêëåéóôéêÜ ìå åõèýíç ôïõ ÷ñÞóôç *****
He became known for his innovative blend of rock, folk, and traditional Greek sounds, and for lyrics that explored social and political themes. During Greece’s military dictatorship, he was imprisoned twice for his outspoken views.
Λαϊκό προσκύνημα στο παρεκκλήσι της Μητρόπολης Αθηνών για τον Διονύση Σαββόπουλο. Σάββατο 25 Οκτωβρίου 2025 (ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ / EUROKINISSI)
In the 1980s, his television program “Long Live Greek Song” further cemented his reputation as a cultural icon and free thinker, influencing generations of artists and audiences alike.
A Cultural Icon Remembered
Savvopoulos’ music defied categorization — part troubadour, part poet, part provocateur. His work resonated deeply with those who grew up alongside his songs, reflecting the shifting ideals and contradictions of modern Greece.
***** ÐÑÏÓÏ×Ç – ÓÇÌÅÉÙÓÇ ÃÉÁ ÔÏÍ ÁÑ×ÉÓÕÍÔÁÊÔÇ ****** Ç öùôïãñáößá Ý÷åé ëçöèåß ÷ùñßò ôç ñçôÞ Üäåéá ôùí åéêïíéæüìåíùí. Ç äçìïóßåõóç ôùí ÷áñáêôçñéóôéêþí ôïõò ãßíåôáé áðïêëåéóôéêÜ ìå åõèýíç ôïõ ÷ñÞóôç *****
His funeral was held at public expense, by decision of the Greek ministries of Finance, Interior, and Culture, honoring his contribution to the nation’s artistic and social life.
Λαϊκό προσκύνημα στο παρεκκλήσι της Μητρόπολης Αθηνών για τον Διονύση Σαββόπουλο. Σάββατο 25 Οκτωβρίου 2025 (ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ / EUROKINISSI)
