Antonis Remos paid an emotional tribute to the late Greek singer Giorgos Mazonakis during a major anniversary concert on Thessaloniki’s waterfront on Saturday night.
Remos performed Mazonakis’s hit “Aniko se Mena” as a photograph of the singer appeared on a giant video wall behind him.
“Giorgo, you left too soon,” Remos told the audience, marking one of the most poignant moments of the evening.
The tribute came three days after Mazonakis died suddenly in Athens on September 9 at the age of 54. His death prompted an outpouring of grief across Greece, with fellow singers, collaborators, political figures and fans remembering his distinctive voice, unconventional style and three-decade contribution to Greek popular music.
Mazonakis emerged in the early 1990s and became one of Greece’s most recognizable popular singers. Known for combining modern production with the traditions of Greek laiko music, he built a career marked by major hits, high-profile live appearances and a singular stage presence.
The precise cause of his death has not yet been established but two doctors have been arrested in relation to the case. According to Greek public broadcaster ERT, the initial postmortem examination did not produce a definitive conclusion, with further laboratory tests expected.
Mazonakis was transferred to the the Elpis hospital in Athens with no vital signs from the private practice of the two doctors who were selling anti-ageing treatments to a large Athens clientele.
Remos concert delayed by torrential rain in Thessaloniki
Remos’s tribute formed part of a large, free concert celebrating his own 30 years in the Greek recording industry. The performance took place near the statue of Alexander the Great on Thessaloniki’s Nea Paralia and was organized in connection with the opening of the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair.
Torrential rain delayed the scheduled start, but large crowds remained on the waterfront with umbrellas to watch the show. Ten large screens and 30 cameras were installed around the area, while the production also included plans for fireworks and a display featuring 1,200 drones.
Among the artists participating in the anniversary event were Despina Vandi, Kaiti Garbi, Mando, Kostas Hatzis, the Gipsy Kings, Haddaway, SNAP! and Željko Joksimović. Television presenter Grigoris Arnaoutoglou coordinated the evening.
