A year after the tragic incident that saw legendary Greek singer Marinella collapse on stage at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, friends and collaborators are expressing deep sorrow over her dire health condition. The 87-year-old artist suffered a stroke while performing during a concert that was also set to feature Antonis Remos.
It was during her third song of the night—the well-known “Words Are Unnecessary,” one of her biggest hits—when the singer collapsed on stage. During the verse, “My God, you taught us how much to love,” the 86-year-old performer suddenly fainted on stage.
Recent statements from Remos and renowned author Yiannis Xanthoulis paint a heartbreaking picture of the singer’s struggle. Remos spoke with painful honesty, noting the “unequal battle” she is fighting and articulating the tragedy of her current state: “Unfortunately, she neither left nor stayed.”
Author Yiannis Xanthoulis, a close friend, echoed the sadness, confirming that nothing has changed in Marinella’s health over the past year. He revealed the extent of her condition, stating she has no contact with her environment.
Marinella “no longer exists”
“I can’t imagine a woman with such intensity, who at 86 used to go on stage and ‘shake’ the place, that she no longer exists,” Xanthoulis said. He tragically described the icon as “Marinella who is sleeping. The beautiful sleeper I’m talking about.”
Friends of the “great lady of Greek song” are now holding onto hope for a miracle to save the singer who defined generations of Greek music.
Since the beginning of her professional singing career in 1956, Marinella has released 66 solo albums and has also been featured on many albums by other musicians.
With her interpretation, passion, expressiveness, voice, talent, and theatricality, she has united entire generations of Greeks through her music.
