Whoever writes "Ik voel me goed" when the bailiffs are at his door deserves a "Belpop Classics". Johan Verminnen knows all about it. He is sometimes called the father of polder pop. The man who caused a shock wave in the parish halls in the mid 70s. Fellow musician Jean Blaute talks about the Wemmel-based Joe Cocker. Former AB boss Jari Demeulemeester on the typical Verminnen-pathos.
"Belpop Classics" looks at the early years of Verminnen's career: how "Ontdek de ster"opened its doors in 1969 and how none other than Will Tura helped the young Johan Verminnen find a manager - Jean Kluger. We also learn why "Laat me nu toch niet alleen" was the song of the last chance, why Brussels was not written in Brussels and how Verminnen missed out on a French career during a festival in Bourges.
It also deals with the unique collaboration with Tars Lootens, which came about as a result of financial vicissitudes, with Verminnen's fight for the status of musician, but also with the painful loss of big brother Bert, who was always the artistic example for Johan. And, of course, the story of musical classics such as "Met zeven aan een tafel", "Rue des Bouchers" and "Mooie dagen". Musician Leo Caerts sums it up nicely: "He only knows one word: full throttle."
With testimonials from Johan Verminnen, Lutgarde Verminnen (sister), Estelle Verminnen (sister), Luk Van Der Straeten (childhood friend), Will Tura (singer), Jean Kluger (record executive), Raymond van het Groenewoud (musician), Frans Ieven (bassist), Dan Lacksman (sound engineer), Jari Demeulemeester (director AB), Jean Blaute (musician), Tars Lootens (pianist), Pauline Verminnen (daughter), Firmin Timmermans (drummer), Leo Caerts (pianist), Bert Candries (guitarist).
