“Nionios” of Greece – A Tribute to Dionysis Savvopoulos
With Emotion and Song, Greece Says Farewell to the Great Dionysis Savvopoulos
In an atmosphere of deep sorrow, the funeral of Dionysis Savvopoulos was held at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. The legendary artist passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a monumental legacy and an irreplaceable void in Greek culture.
From 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., his body lay in the chapel of the Cathedral, where crowds of people — politicians, artists, relatives, and friends — gathered to pay their final respects to the man who forever marked Greek music.
Among those who delivered eulogies were Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, former President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Dimitra Galani, Alkinoos Ioannidis, Giorgos Skabardonis, his son and grandson, Stamatis Fasoulis, Dr. A. Kotanidou, and A. Kyritsopoulos.
In his address, Prime Minister Mitsotakis spoke with emotion, calling Savvopoulos “the chronicler of Greece’s modern journey over the past half-century.”
As the casket was carried out of the church, the Hellenic Navy Band played “Synnefoula” and “Mi Milas Allo Gia Agapi”, with the crowd applauding and singing along to the beloved songs.
To these cherished melodies and amid heartfelt emotion, the funeral procession departed for the First Cemetery of Athens — the final resting place of the unique Dionysis Savvopoulos.
Just before the burial, the Athens Municipal Philharmonic performed his iconic song “As Kratisoun oi Xoures” (Let the Dances Last), marking a moving farewell to one of Greece’s most influential musical voices.
The Funeral Service Concludes In an atmosphere of deep emotion, the funeral service of Dionysis Savvopoulos has concluded. His burial will follow at the First Cemetery of Athens.
Savvopoulos’ Grandson: I Felt a Lump in My Throat from Emotion Every Time We Were Together
Dionysis Savvopoulos’ grandson revealed that as a child, he “felt a lump in his throat from emotion every time we were together. That emotion came from the love I received,” he said.
“Through everything, melancholy makes us love and feel united. Your soul stays with us. I love you very much,” he concluded.
Savvopoulos’ Son: He Tried to Teach Us That the Spiritual and the Material Exist Together
Expressing his gratitude to everyone who attended his father’s funeral, Savvopoulos’ son said:
“He worked hard to pay for my studies in America, yet he also had a deep spirituality — he would retreat to Pelion for nine months at a time.”
“I realized the message he wanted to convey was that we are both our homes, our cars, our clothes — and at the same time, something beyond all that. The spiritual and the material coexist. We tend to forget this, but he kept trying to show us that the immaterial and the material are one.”
Alkinoos Ioannidis: Savvopoulos Revealed What Was Precious — He Elevated the Country’s Soul
“You loved celebrations — the festivals, the gatherings, the feasts. You rejoiced in them,” said Alkinoos Ioannidis, recalling that the first concert he ever attended as a child in Nicosia was by Dionysis Savvopoulos, “when no one else existed.”
“You nurtured us, supported us, freed us. Alongside your beloved mentors, Manos Hadjidakis and Tsitsanis, you revealed what was precious — you raised the cultural level of the nation, and of each one of us individually.”
Quoting his brother, who told him that “Savvopoulos abolishes mourning,” Ioannidis reflected: “Why did I cry so much? For whom — for you or for myself?”
He spoke of Savvopoulos’ contradictions — “a hermit with refined tastes, an awkward sage. We never knew when you were performing a role and when you were simply yourself.”
“Only someone undisciplined could reach the heights you did. We tried to understand you, but you were beyond explanation. At your last concert, you were more vulnerable — and more certain — than ever before.”
“You leave festive and eternal,” he concluded, “leaving us the priceless gifts of your journey on this earth.”Skabardonis: I Bring You Thessaloniki’s Grief and Respect
“Dear Dionysis, I come from Thessaloniki to bring you the city’s grief and respect,” said writer Giorgos Skabardonis.
“The mother city bids you farewell — with her wind-swept castles you once sang of, her boats, fireworks, choirs, and crowds that see visions. Your neighborhood, Analipsi, is waving to you — near the place where you first saw Tsitsanis holding a small violin, hovering ten centimeters above the ground. Your old friends, Babis the Kallipolitis, Takis Simotas, your childhood companions, bid you a bittersweet farewell.”
“Spiritual parents are the dearest ones,” Skabardonis continued, noting that Dionysis Savvopoulos arrived in Athens with odds stacked infinitely against him and yet managed to create such a monumental body of work. “You lived here with your beloved Aspa — and here you raised your children,” he said.
Stamatis Fasoulis: Savvopoulos Turned Nothing into Everything
“You leave behind a Greek songbook that is immensely rich — you loved it deeply,” said actor and director Stamatis Fasoulis, adding that Savvopoulos “brought life into song.”
“He could take nothing and turn it into everything,” he said.
Visibly moved, Fasoulis added, “I don’t want to cry. I won’t say goodbye — I’ll say until we meet again in your heavenly garden.”
Sakellaropoulou: You Sang for Us, for the Nation, the People, and History
“You sang for us — for the nation, the people, and our history — for tradition and modernity, for the bridge between East and West,” said former President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
“Your work is not only a musically recorded history of our land,” she continued, noting that Savvopoulos became, was, and remained true to himself until the end, just as he had promised when he left Thessaloniki. “You were never led by your audience — you always stood ahead of it, even when you stood against it,” she said, adding that he remained upright and dignified, with his head held high, and with Aspa, his wife, always by his side.
“And then came the final years — of illness, yet filled with warm evenings, friends, and memories, with the fullness of life and your unwavering faith that everything remains, nothing is lost,” she said. “We will take care of Aspa for you, rest assured. Farewell, beloved Dionysis.”
Mitsotakis: Savvopoulos Belongs to the Few Who, While Entertaining Us, Also Shape Us
“I am not here only as his friend and admirer, but out of duty to a great Greek. Nionios (Savvopoulos’ nickname) walked side by side with the life of this country throughout his own, giving us a push of joy in difficult times and warning us when needed. He always had his own, open-minded view of things. That is why in music he managed to bring rock closer to the art song — and did the same in politics,” said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Mr. Mitsotakis cited verses by Dionysis Savvopoulos from Angelos-Exangelos, “because they represent direct and public speech. They succeed in uniting the sensitive world of art with the realism of politics”:
“The news he brought us was all a lie, yet it sounded pleasant to our ears. For every lie of his resembled truth, and hearing him, our souls found peace.
We immediately understood what he meant, and we told him, half-numb, to go. Since he had no pleasant news to tell, it was better that he told us none.”
“A proof,” the Prime Minister added, “that artistic sensitivity can be far more powerful.”
“Dionysis Savvopoulos never accepted honors or titles,” he noted, adding that he belongs to the few who, while entertaining us, also shape us. “He became the chronicler of Greece’s journey for more than half a century. His legacy is part of our collective memory.
Nionio, I will bid you farewell with a great thank you. From tomorrow, you will not exist only through your songs. We will think of you every time a young person picks up a guitar — and every time we look at ourselves in the mirror, with our strengths and our flaws,” he said.
Funeral Service Begins
The funeral service, led by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, has begun, followed by burial at the First Cemetery of Athens.
Eulogies will be delivered by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, former President and close friend Katerina Sakellaropoulou, his beloved Alexis Kiritsopoulos, who designed his iconic album covers, Dimitra Galani, Alkinoos Ioannidis, Giorgos Skabardonis, and his personal doctor, who stood by him throughout his five-year battle with cancer.
The body of Dionysis Savvopoulos has been transferred to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, with crowds applauding during the procession.
Walking behind the coffin was the singer-songwriter’s family.
A large number of people gathered at the chapel to pay their final respects.
The funeral will take place at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial at the First Cemetery of Athens.
Eulogies will be delivered by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Alexis Kiritsopoulos, Dimitra Galani, Alkinoos Ioannidis, Giorgos Skabardonis, and his personal doctor.
Traffic restrictions are in place in downtown Athens due to the ceremony.
Dionysis Savvopoulos’ Coffin Arrives at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
The body of Dionysis Savvopoulos was transferred to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. Walking behind the coffin were his wife, Aspa, and his grandson, followed by his sons.
The family will remain alone for 15 minutes inside the church to say their final farewell to Savvopoulos.
Public Viewing Concludes – Applause as Dionysis Savvopoulos’ Body Is Transferred to the Metropolitan Cathedral
The body of Dionysis Savvopoulos has been transferred to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, with crowds applauding during the procession.
A large number of people gathered at the chapel of the Cathedral to bid their final farewell to the beloved artist.
The funeral will take place at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial at the First Cemetery of Athens.
Eulogies will be delivered by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Alexis Kiritsopoulos, Dimitra Galani, Alkinoos Ioannidis, Giorgos Skabardonis, and his personal doctor.
Traffic restrictions are in place in downtown Athens due to the ceremony.
Conductor Miltos Logiadis speaks about his collaboration with Dionysis Savvopoulos
Conductor and musician Miltos Logiadis spoke to ERTnews about Dionysis Savvopoulos, sharing memories and impressions from their collaboration.
“The screen is sinking, the crowd is swaying / Images pour out all at once / Where are you going, handsome lad, like a myth / And you swim straight to death”: Today, Greece bids farewell to one of its musical legends, Dionysis Savvopoulos— an artist who shaped generations, left an indelible mark on the history of the post-junta era, was celebrated and criticized in equal measure, yet remains a timeless folk hero… “like Karagiozis.”
The body of the creator of “To Fortigo” (The Truck), “Ballos”, and “Vromiko Psomi” (Dirty Bread) — who passed away on Tuesday night from a heart attack — lies from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the chapel of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. There, those who grew up, rebelled, dreamed, loved, and were betrayed through his songs — the great family of Greek music he led for decades, political figures, dear friends, and his beloved family — gather to offer him their final farewell.
Live footage from the chapel of the Metropolitan Cathedral People are arriving at the chapel of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens to bid their final farewell to Dionysis Savvopoulos.
Dionysis Savvopoulos: Public viewing underway at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens The public viewing of Dionysis Savvopoulos’ body has been underway since 8:30 a.m. at the chapel of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens.
Mariza Koch: “Dionysis Savvopoulos Was a Point of Reference for Us All — He Shaped My Own Path”
Speaking to ERT News, singer Mariza Koch paid tribute to Dionysis Savvopoulos, calling him “a bold and abundant spirit” who influenced every generation of Greek music.
“His life was great and daring, and we’re all deeply saddened today,” Koch said. “He was a larger-than-life figure — both in his music and in his character. I was lucky to start my career near him in Patras as a young singer. During two winters working by his side, I learned lessons that shaped my entire artistic journey. He taught me that it’s not about having a powerful voice, but about being a charismatic performer. Dionysis was born to sing — not because of his voice, but because of his pulse, his love for song. His rhythm could carry an entire orchestra.”
Koch emphasized his lasting impact on Greek culture:
“He was a true artist — genuine, dreamy, and poetic. Even though our paths soon diverged, he deeply influenced me. He was a point of reference for everyone, across all genres. Even popular musicians would wonder what Savvopoulos might think about a new song or idea. He was like a filter for Greek music — a standard of authenticity.”
Reflecting on his legacy, she added:
“He leaves a great void, but also many worthy people to continue what he began. His work will keep inspiring for a long time. Everything he gave us still keeps Greek music in balance — a balance that may have been lost, but his presence remains like a small magical thorn reminding us what is true.”
Finally, Koch recalled the spirit of unity that defined their generation:
“I remember the funeral of George Seferis — how we all came together, guided by poetry, which connected us then. Savvopoulos was part of that same heartbeat — a symbol of culture, memory, and resistance. That pulse will always stay alive within us.”
“Greece’s ‘Nionios’ — A Tribute to Dionysis Savvopoulos”
“The screen is sinking, the crowd is trembling / Images are pouring out all at once / Where are you going, handsome lad like a myth / And you swim straight toward death.”
Today, Greece bids farewell to one of its greatest musical legends — Dionysis Savvopoulos, affectionately known as “Nionios.” A man who raised generations, left an indelible mark on the country’s post-junta cultural history, and, despite being both celebrated and criticized, remains a timeless folk hero — “like Karagiozis.”
The body of the creator of “To Fortigo” (The Truck), “Ballos,” and “Vromiko Psomi” (Dirty Bread), who passed away on Tuesday night after a heart attack, lies in state from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the chapel of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens.
There, admirers who grew up, rebelled, dreamed, and loved through his songs — the great family of Greek music, political figures, close friends, and his beloved family — have gathered to bid him a final farewell.
From Thessaloniki to the Pantheon of Greek Music
Savvopoulos was born and raised in Thessaloniki, where he attended the 5th High School. Speaking to ERT News, his childhood friend Yiannis Aikaterinaris shared memories of those early years:
“We were classmates at the 5th Gymnasium,” he recalled. “We were lucky to have inspiring teachers who encouraged us to see things artistically and culturally, not just politically. Dionysis was already involved in a youth group for disarmament and peace — he was one of its key members. We once organized a concert, and although he didn’t yet play the guitar, he had already recorded some of his own songs on a tape recorder. Among them was the song ‘Helios kokkinos zestós’ (Red, Warm Sun), which later became well-known.”
“He Was a Magician of the Stage” — Melina Kana Remembers
Singer Melina Kana also paid tribute on ERT News, describing Savvopoulos as a true force of nature:
“People loved him — and rightly so. He was authentic, intense, a larger-than-life personality. He left his mark everywhere. You called him a storyteller, and I completely agree. His shows were unique — he had a beautiful way of narrating. I loved talking with him; he was very intelligent, with sharp, insightful observations. I listened to him closely because there was always something to learn.”
She continued:
“His performances were magical. He created an atmosphere unlike any other. For me, he was a magician of the stage. Inside, I’ll always keep him as a man with the courage of his convictions — a poet, really. His lyrics were poetry. He was an honest man, unafraid to share his inner journey with the world. He lived a rich, meaningful life, loved and protected his family, and had lifelong friends. May his soul rest in peace — reunited with those he loved who left before him.”
A Nation in Mourning
Since early morning, crowds have filled the chapel of the Athens Metropolis to pay their final respects. The public viewing will last until noon, as thousands line up to say goodbye to the man whose words and melodies became the soundtrack of modern Greek life.
Dionysis Savvopoulos — the philosopher, poet, and rebel troubadour — leaves behind a legacy that transcends generations. His voice, both gentle and defiant, told Greece’s story through decades of change.
And even now, as the church bells toll for his farewell, the verses of his songs echo once more — songs that will continue to speak to the hearts of Greeks for generations to come.
“Where are you going, lad? Processions begin / The crowds cry, the bells ring / And your hymn shakes the temple…”
“The screen is sinking, the crowd is rotting / Images are pouring out all at once / Where you go, handsome lad like a myth / And you swim straight to death.”
Today, Greece says farewell to one of its musical legends — Dionysis Savvopoulos, the artist who inspired generations, left an indelible mark on modern Greek history, and became both revered and controversial, yet always remained a timeless folk hero — “like Karagiozis.”
The body of the creator of “The Truck,” “Baloo,” and “Dirty Bread” — who passed away on Tuesday night from a heart attack — will lie in repose from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the chapel of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. There, those who grew up, rebelled, dreamed, loved, and wept with his songs will gather to offer a final embrace: the great family of Greek music, the political world, his dear friends, and his beloved family.
The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. Eulogies will be delivered by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, former President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, his close friend and artist Alexis Kiritsopoulos, who designed his iconic album covers, as well as Dimitra Galani, Alkinoos Ioannidis, George Skabardonis, and his personal doctor, who stood by him throughout his five-year battle with cancer.
The family of Dionysis Savvopoulos has requested that, instead of wreaths, donations be made to the Music Department of the Ionian University, where he once taught, and to the Department of Music Science and Art at the University of Macedonia in his hometown, Thessaloniki.
Due to the funeral, traffic regulations will be in effect in central Athens. From 6:00 a.m. until the end of the ceremony, parking and stopping will be prohibited, and traffic will be gradually suspended in the following areas of the Municipality of Athens:
Mitropoleos Street (entire length)
Aeolou Street (between Andrianou and Ermou)
Ermou Street (between Aeolou and Athinas)
Anapausos Street (entire length and adjoining streets)
Trivonianou Street (between Karea and M. Mousourou)
The Hellenic Police (ELAS) urges drivers to avoid these roads and to follow the directions of traffic officers to minimize congestion.
The loss of Dionysis Savvopoulos has deeply moved the nation. Perhaps because, to so many, this exuberant, witty, and endlessly creative storyteller — who painted vivid musical portraits and turned every live performance into a Dionysian celebration — seemed eternal.
And perhaps, in spirit, he will remain just that: unyielding, invulnerable, and timeless.
“Where you go, lad, processions start / And your slaves cry at the altar / The crowds scream, the bells ring / And your hymn shakes the temple…”
