Renowned Greek singer Manolis Lidakis has passed away at the age of 64.
The beloved artist was found dead in an Airbnb in Annissaras, Hersonissos, on the island of Crete.
According to reports from neakriti.gr, Lidakis had been struggling with health issues over the past year. He was previously hospitalised and, following his recovery, chose to relocate to a village in Crete with a close friend. His health concerns had led to two surgeries and the cancellation of all his scheduled concerts. He had personally shared updates about his condition on his social media accounts, keeping his fans informed.
A Life Dedicated to Music
Born on February 28, 1960, in Heraklion, Crete, Manolis Lidakis displayed an early passion for music. At just nine years old, he began his formal musical studies, focusing on guitar, wind instruments, and music theory. Between 1970 and 1977, he played the euphonium and trumpet as part of the philharmonic orchestras of Heraklion.
His breakthrough came in 1982 when he moved to Athens and participated in the TV talent show Here is the Opportunity. This led to his first recording contract and marked the beginning of a highly successful career. Before gaining widespread recognition, he performed in small taverns, boutiques, and music venues across Athens, Crete, and Serres, often alongside his brother.
That same year, he released his debut album After You, composed by George Katsaros. He soon collaborated with legendary Greek musicians, contributing to albums such as Just Talk to Me with Eleni Dimou and Yannis Parios and Reportage by Yannis Markopoulos with George Dalaras.
A Legacy of Music and Influence
Over the decades, Manolis Lidakis became a defining figure in Greek music, particularly in the realms of modern art and popular Greek song. His repertoire also included traditional Cretan music, as seen in his album Kokkino Akrogiali, which featured renditions of classic rizitika and other folk songs.
He often cited musical influences such as Nikos Xylouris, Stratos Dionysiou, Grigoris Bithikotsis, Stelios Kazantzidis, Haris Alexiou, and Dimitra Galani. Throughout his career, he collaborated with a wide array of esteemed artists, including George Andreou, Lakis Lazopoulos, Kostas Livadas, Socrates Malamas, Alkis Alkaios, Alkinoos Ioannidis, Pantelis Thalassinos, Dimitris Mitropanos, and Babis Stokas.
Lidakis leaves behind a rich musical legacy that has touched generations of listeners in Greece and beyond. His distinctive voice and heartfelt performances will be remembered as integral to the fabric of Greek music.
