Do you think you know everything there is to know about Anna Vissi?
2011
Anyone would have thought that after her experience of “With love…Anna!”, Anna Vissi would never again be seen on a set again. But we are proved wrong once again! Not only did she set foot on a set again but on the 12th October 2011, her new exclusive show entitled “Oso exo foni!” premiered on Greek TV.
So, what was this show, broadcast by Alpha channel, all about?
Anna and her close friend and colleague, Christine Crokos, who came up with the concept and recorded it, referred to it as a….Rockumentary! This is bit of a reality documentary focusing on a star’s daily life, both in front and behind the camera lens. The series was made up of 6 episodes which gave us a real glimpse into all aspects in the life of Greece’s Absolute Star. From her musical and personal history, her relationship with her daughter, her ordeal with her voice, how she released her first album without Nikos Karvelas following a 30 year partnership, how she puts on her shows, her famous friends but also her support for the “Sophia Foundation” and its work for children in Africa!
Another of Anna’s close friends and colleagues, Mirto Kontova, took on the journalistic role of the show’s montage giving the show a real authentic feel, accurately representing Anna’s daily life without it seeming tacky and having fake set-up interviews with Anna herself.
The show’s premiere was celebrated in style in a special Anna Vissi Party/Concert hosted by the Rithmos 949 radio station in Dream City (Athens). The Fannatics were of course present at this event and filled the club in order to watch the first episode with Anna before she proceeded to put on a special concert for them.
So, what was this show, broadcast by Alpha channel, all about?
Anna and her close friend and colleague, Christine Crokos, who came up with the concept and recorded it, referred to it as a….Rockumentary! This is bit of a reality documentary focusing on a star’s daily life, both in front and behind the camera lens. The series was made up of 6 episodes which gave us a real glimpse into all aspects in the life of Greece’s Absolute Star. From her musical and personal history, her relationship with her daughter, her ordeal with her voice, how she released her first album without Nikos Karvelas following a 30 year partnership, how she puts on her shows, her famous friends but also her support for the “Sophia Foundation” and its work for children in Africa!
Another of Anna’s close friends and colleagues, Mirto Kontova, took on the journalistic role of the show’s montage giving the show a real authentic feel, accurately representing Anna’s daily life without it seeming tacky and having fake set-up interviews with Anna herself.
The show’s premiere was celebrated in style in a special Anna Vissi Party/Concert hosted by the Rithmos 949 radio station in Dream City (Athens). The Fannatics were of course present at this event and filled the club in order to watch the first episode with Anna before she proceeded to put on a special concert for them.
On the 17th May, in honour of the International Day Against Homophobia, Anna spoke via video at the Accept-LGBT Cyprus press conference for this issue along with representatives of LGBT, TV, European Parliament and also elected Politicians. The press conference took place along with various awareness events in the country entitled “Speak up against homophobia”.
Τhe video clip for the song Leap of Faith, Anna’s duet with the pop legend Dave Steward, premiered on MAD TV on the 8th October. It was all shot in a well-known hotel in the Thessaloniki the year before. Its release was combined with a weekend dedicated to Anna’s career which also included an interview with Themis Georgantas.
Μono an trellatho
In January, following an invite by her close friend and designer Jean Paul Gaulthier, Anna Vissi went to Paris to watch his Haute Couture Show Spring/Summer 2011. It is important to note that this was the show that closed Paris Fashion Week.
The trip was combined with a stunning photoshoot/interview with the two and featured in the monthly Madame Figaro that was out in Greece in March!
We were treated to moments of Anna’s trip to the City of Lights with photographs taken by Christine Crokos. These were included in the 2012 limited edition of our beloved singer’s Best of (Access All Areas)
The trip was combined with a stunning photoshoot/interview with the two and featured in the monthly Madame Figaro that was out in Greece in March!
We were treated to moments of Anna’s trip to the City of Lights with photographs taken by Christine Crokos. These were included in the 2012 limited edition of our beloved singer’s Best of (Access All Areas)
Τhe original plan was for a show with constantly changing guest appearances from some of Greece’s most influential women singers. However, in the process Anna seemed to have had a change of heart. She only wanted one specific lady. She therefore asked Mary Linta to appear with her in the “Dodeka” show at the Rex music hall in order to give it that sparkle from the past! This very special show started in December and the two serenaded us for a good few months in both Athens and Thessaloniki to the sounds of Manolis Hiotis. Anna is still trying hard to copy some of Mary’s impressive dance moves!
“How did this collaboration with Mary Linta come about?”
It was originally an idea of mine the thought of which really excited me. I could not believe that I would be standing on the same stage with a real legend that I grew up listening to and admiring. I am experiencing some very special moments when I get out on that stage with Mary Linta. It really is a true honour for me”
Biscotto.gr 5th December
“How did this collaboration with Mary Linta come about?”
It was originally an idea of mine the thought of which really excited me. I could not believe that I would be standing on the same stage with a real legend that I grew up listening to and admiring. I am experiencing some very special moments when I get out on that stage with Mary Linta. It really is a true honour for me”
Biscotto.gr 5th December
On the 19th November, we had the rare opportunity to enjoy the Vissi sisters together. In contrast to what usually happens, Anna was for this occasion, Lia’s guest invitee for a very different piano-voice concert. Their joint appearance took place at the “Michalis Kakogianis” Foundation during one of Lia’s 6 shows with various artists. Such an enjoyable occasion as you can see from the video that was taken from the Fannatics that were present on the night!
31/3 and 2/4 Pavillion (Cyprus)
9/4 Anadromes (Heraklion, Crete)
15/4 O.A.K.A (Athens) - As a symbolic gesture towards her favourite team, Anna took up the invite to sing at a big concert that took place at the Olympic Park’s indoor basketball to raise money for Panathinaikos Amateur team!
27/4 Strovolos Municipal Theatre (Cyprus) – An unplugged concert in honour of the Sophia Foundation.
6/5 Toronto (Canada)
7/5 Chicago (USA)
13/5 Montreal (Canada)
14/5 Atlantic City (USA)
21/5 Foxwoods (USA)
27/5 Vancouver (Canada)
28/5 Las Vegas (USA)
15/6 Breeze Summer Club (Limassol, Cyprus)
17/06 Bamboo Club (Bucharest, Romania)
3/7 Central Club (New York, USA)
«Just like that» - A string of 3 unplugged shows in Cyprus:
25/9 Limassol Municipal Theatre
3/10 Sxoli Tiflon (Nicosia)
1/10 Patixio Amphitheatre (Larnaca)
12/10 Anna Vissi Party by Rythmos 949 @ Dream City (Athens) – For the premiere of “Oso exo foni”.
5/11 Carl Benz Arena (Stuttgart, Germany)
19/11 Michalis Kakogianis Foundation, guest for Lia Vissi (Athens)
24/11 and 1/12 without official programmed appearances, Anna made appearances at Niko Karvela’s shows at the Architektoniki Music Hall (Athens). She took over quite a lot of the programme and together, well…they did their thing!
16/12 “Dodeka” Show, Rex, with guest Mary Linta, Weddings Singers (until the next year)
9/4 Anadromes (Heraklion, Crete)
15/4 O.A.K.A (Athens) - As a symbolic gesture towards her favourite team, Anna took up the invite to sing at a big concert that took place at the Olympic Park’s indoor basketball to raise money for Panathinaikos Amateur team!
27/4 Strovolos Municipal Theatre (Cyprus) – An unplugged concert in honour of the Sophia Foundation.
6/5 Toronto (Canada)
7/5 Chicago (USA)
13/5 Montreal (Canada)
14/5 Atlantic City (USA)
21/5 Foxwoods (USA)
27/5 Vancouver (Canada)
28/5 Las Vegas (USA)
15/6 Breeze Summer Club (Limassol, Cyprus)
17/06 Bamboo Club (Bucharest, Romania)
3/7 Central Club (New York, USA)
«Just like that» - A string of 3 unplugged shows in Cyprus:
25/9 Limassol Municipal Theatre
3/10 Sxoli Tiflon (Nicosia)
1/10 Patixio Amphitheatre (Larnaca)
12/10 Anna Vissi Party by Rythmos 949 @ Dream City (Athens) – For the premiere of “Oso exo foni”.
5/11 Carl Benz Arena (Stuttgart, Germany)
19/11 Michalis Kakogianis Foundation, guest for Lia Vissi (Athens)
24/11 and 1/12 without official programmed appearances, Anna made appearances at Niko Karvela’s shows at the Architektoniki Music Hall (Athens). She took over quite a lot of the programme and together, well…they did their thing!
16/12 “Dodeka” Show, Rex, with guest Mary Linta, Weddings Singers (until the next year)
Fannatics celebrated its 3rd birthday and since established the celebration along with its idol in the places where she is appearing! This time, the big party, along with Anna, took place at Athinon Arena music hall on the 7th January with special entry prices and many surprises!
On the 8th March, Anna gave an interview to the well-known radio producer, Niko Mouratidi during Women’s Day. In anticipation of this interview, Nikos Mouratidis was kind enough to provide the Fannatics with a personal exclusive interview of his on the 22nd February. In this, he talked about his opinions on music and Anna’s career.
What could Greece’s biggest singer have in common with a French football star? No, it is not yet another rumour surrounding Anna’s personal life but for another joint photoshoot in honour of a very good cause!
Anna Vissi and Djibril Cissé, one of Panathinaiko’s star players, joined forces to take part in a calendar photoshoot for the charity W.I.N. HELLAS.
The organisation, whose aim is to combat violence against women, invited the two stars along with other personalities to take part in Spiro Porou’s photoshoot for the official annual calendar which was distributed in HELLO! magazine in the middle of January!
The two obviously hit it off since Djibril had no issues with filming their meeting for the purposes of Anna’s reality show “Oso eho foni”. We saw the two in the sixth and final episode of the series, where amongst other things, Anna propositioned the international player (and amateur DJ) to rap on her new song “Den tha yparxi allo”, something that unfortunately never actually materialised!
Anna Vissi and Djibril Cissé, one of Panathinaiko’s star players, joined forces to take part in a calendar photoshoot for the charity W.I.N. HELLAS.
The organisation, whose aim is to combat violence against women, invited the two stars along with other personalities to take part in Spiro Porou’s photoshoot for the official annual calendar which was distributed in HELLO! magazine in the middle of January!
The two obviously hit it off since Djibril had no issues with filming their meeting for the purposes of Anna’s reality show “Oso eho foni”. We saw the two in the sixth and final episode of the series, where amongst other things, Anna propositioned the international player (and amateur DJ) to rap on her new song “Den tha yparxi allo”, something that unfortunately never actually materialised!
On the 12th November, Anna popped over briefly to the USA to be awarded at the Hellenic Charity Ball as one of the brightest personas in the world of entertainment of 2011! As a thank you to the invitees of the Elios Foundation who organised the evening, she sang many of her biggest hits amongst which were “Treno” and “Dodeka”. At the same event, an award was given to Nick Cassavetes for his contribution to cinema.
Interview with Elita Mixalidou – With Melita, (14.09.11), Sigma Channel, Cyprus.
Interview with Themi Georgantas – OK (08.10.2011), Mad TV, Greece
Interview with Eleni Menegaki – “Eleni”, (12.10.2011), ALPHA TV, Greece.
Interview with Petro Kostopoulou - “Vradi”, (15.12.2011) ALPHA TV, Greece.
“OSO EHO FONI”, Rockumentary (6 episodes, Start date: 12.10.2011), ALPHA TV, Greece.
Interview with Themi Georgantas – OK (08.10.2011), Mad TV, Greece
Interview with Eleni Menegaki – “Eleni”, (12.10.2011), ALPHA TV, Greece.
Interview with Petro Kostopoulou - “Vradi”, (15.12.2011) ALPHA TV, Greece.
“OSO EHO FONI”, Rockumentary (6 episodes, Start date: 12.10.2011), ALPHA TV, Greece.
Anna combined her string of “Just like that” shows in Cyprus with her being named as the Zorba family’s charity aptly named the “Mazi” foundation. She put at their disposal 200 tickets for the concert taking place at Nicosia’s Sxoli Tiflon (School for the blind). The aim of “Mazi” foundation, meaning “Together” in English, is to raise awareness and fight against eating disorders and obesity. Anna was present at the foundation’s press conference on the 27th September and met some of the lucky 100 euro ticket pass holders. This money would help the “Together” foundation fund raising.
On the 27th April, Anna put on a totally different concert from that those that we have been used to in the last few years. Supporting the Sophia Foundation, her personal friend Marina Siakola and its work for the protection of children in Kenya, Anna gave an unplugged concert choosing to sing songs from her extensive collation but also from many big Greek composers (Plessa, Xatzidaki, Savopoulou, Theodoraki and many more).
The evening’s highlight was when Anna invited Stiliano, a young boy from Tanzania who studies in Cyprus, to come up on stage and sing the African song “Kothbiro” with her.
The concert was spurred on after a spontaneous move from Anna where she requested to visit Kenya herself to experience the situation there and see the work carried out by her foundation. Time after time, Anna will continue to say how this trip cemented her loyalty and support for the Sophia Foundation after seeing the work that it has done. For this reason, she dedicated the 5th episode of her Rockumentary “Oso eho foni” to this trip to draw as much attention to it as possible and make people aware of the situation there. As Anna said, “What I felt, apart from pure shock and embarrassment, was shame and guilt. I felt guilt as a human being. Once this guilt passed, I understood that I had to appear useful”.
The concert raised funds for the building of an orphanage in Kenya.
The evening’s highlight was when Anna invited Stiliano, a young boy from Tanzania who studies in Cyprus, to come up on stage and sing the African song “Kothbiro” with her.
The concert was spurred on after a spontaneous move from Anna where she requested to visit Kenya herself to experience the situation there and see the work carried out by her foundation. Time after time, Anna will continue to say how this trip cemented her loyalty and support for the Sophia Foundation after seeing the work that it has done. For this reason, she dedicated the 5th episode of her Rockumentary “Oso eho foni” to this trip to draw as much attention to it as possible and make people aware of the situation there. As Anna said, “What I felt, apart from pure shock and embarrassment, was shame and guilt. I felt guilt as a human being. Once this guilt passed, I understood that I had to appear useful”.
The concert raised funds for the building of an orphanage in Kenya.
As an open supporter and admirer of the work carried out by the “Kivoto tou Kosmou” charity, Anna would not turn down the offer by its Gastronomy team to attend a unique event to support this wonderful charity.
The team, based in Thessaloniki, invited Anna Vissi and the charity’s founder, Father Antonio, along with a whole host of other to a unique dinner at the well-known hang out that is Bungalow White! The event took place on the 29th June with Anna Vissi talking about some of her favourite food to a packed out crowd.
The team, based in Thessaloniki, invited Anna Vissi and the charity’s founder, Father Antonio, along with a whole host of other to a unique dinner at the well-known hang out that is Bungalow White! The event took place on the 29th June with Anna Vissi talking about some of her favourite food to a packed out crowd.
Just one day after the charity event in aid of the “Kivoto tou Kosmou”, Anna was spotted once again supporting yet another charity in Thessaloniki. She was photographed wearing a t-shirt designed by Vasilis Zoulia for his new campaign “I do it….because I care” in honour of the Oasis support centres fighting against alcoholism and other addictions
As Popi Kalaitzi, the campaign’s head, said: “Thanks to a brief chat during the charity dinner the other night, I informed Anna Vissi of the work carried out by Oasis and our new awareness campaign. By her own accord, she asked to be a centre volunteer and become the first famous person to wear Vasili Zoulia’s t-shirt. All the money raised from the sale of these t-shirts will directly fund Oasis projects”.
As Popi Kalaitzi, the campaign’s head, said: “Thanks to a brief chat during the charity dinner the other night, I informed Anna Vissi of the work carried out by Oasis and our new awareness campaign. By her own accord, she asked to be a centre volunteer and become the first famous person to wear Vasili Zoulia’s t-shirt. All the money raised from the sale of these t-shirts will directly fund Oasis projects”.
“Good question (laughs). I think even I’m confused. I am happy to be in a position where I appeal to the youngsters, to those who were with me when I made my first steps and to even older people. One thing is for sure, I do not have everyone on side because it is matter of taste and style as to what each person likes to listen to. I was never so stupid to think that I was liked by everyone. I am not that selfish."
Madame Figaro, Cyprus, November.
Madame Figaro, Cyprus, November.
“When I first saw Anna on stage, I wanted to get up and dance with her. This is what Anna does, she wins you over, she takes you with her and she holds you there. She is always buzzing and never tired, just a like a small kid…Strong like a male and tender as any female”
Madame Figaro, March.
Madame Figaro, March.
- What stands out for you in Anna’s career after all these years?
-Her daring nature, her ballsy attitude and the fact that, at some point, she changed direction and audience. She “got rid” of the old Anna Vissi and voila, gave us the new Anna.
22 February, Exclusive interview at Fannatics.gr
-Her daring nature, her ballsy attitude and the fact that, at some point, she changed direction and audience. She “got rid” of the old Anna Vissi and voila, gave us the new Anna.
22 February, Exclusive interview at Fannatics.gr
“Openly declaring your love for Greek music, you must have a particular artist in mind..
- Oh yes! I love Anna Vissi! She is both an amazing performer and singer. I have seen many of her live videos from various appearances on the internet, she is mesmerising.
-Why only online though? On the 16th of this month she will begin her new Show…Perhaps it is chance for you to see her up close and personal seen as you are here?
-Arghhhhh (annoyed) I cannot believe this is happening to me again! I am always missing seeing her show by one or two days! A few years ago, I got a ticket to see one of her concerts in Zante and at the last minute I had to fly to Paris for “work” and I had to leave 2 days before her show. Now, on the 16th I must go back to Zante to finish filming my new music video.
Ttralala.gr, 28th December
- Oh yes! I love Anna Vissi! She is both an amazing performer and singer. I have seen many of her live videos from various appearances on the internet, she is mesmerising.
-Why only online though? On the 16th of this month she will begin her new Show…Perhaps it is chance for you to see her up close and personal seen as you are here?
-Arghhhhh (annoyed) I cannot believe this is happening to me again! I am always missing seeing her show by one or two days! A few years ago, I got a ticket to see one of her concerts in Zante and at the last minute I had to fly to Paris for “work” and I had to leave 2 days before her show. Now, on the 16th I must go back to Zante to finish filming my new music video.
Ttralala.gr, 28th December
Comments
On the 14th October, Anna spoke out about a particular part of the first episode of her show “Oso eho foni” that aired two days earlier on the Alpha channel.
We saw Anna visit her ill father, Mr Nestora, and mother and spend some quality time with her family in Cyprus. This provoked widespread topic for “discussion” among the lunchtime tv gossip shows following the series of clips that were shown during the first episode.
Since we are unable to express the truth and her own feelings on the matter, here is a text which, while it notably answers to third party rumours, is directed to her one and only Fannatics. She thanks them for the love they show her, both during the good and bad times:
“I am truly touched how you have all welcomed this new “project” of mine with open arms. Because I strongly felt that I gave it my all and nothing I included was “fake” and I had no other ulterior motive than to tell my story. It was there for those who were interested to listen and follow my life in a bit of a different way from what we have been used to…I was expecting these “predictable” negative reactions ( where would we be without them) and from the same “predictable” presenters or “social commentators” as they like to be labelled. It would not be in any way a reason for me not to do something that I wanted to do and was sure of with my hand on my hand. However, the truth is that I was really upset when I heard some people chip in with “nasty” and “poisonous” remarks regarding what they saw in the scenes with my father….It is as if being ill is a taboo subject, something heinous and bad that we must hide away and not talk about and certainly not show in on TV for Christ’s sake! Like everyone, I have a family with a father, a mother, brothers and sisters, relatives and a daughter. I believe it would be wrong of me not to show my father in my story who might not be in a position to be dulled up and parading and talking on TV but who exists, laughs and is happy that people are by his side to help and to love him. Not only did I not “sell out” on my father, as it was wrongly claimed, but I showed how proud of him I am.
Sorry guys but I felt I had to defend THIS as you can understand. I will continue to read what you write on twitter and on facebook. I feel am learning from you and gain more energy as many of you say that you do from me. There are so many of you, you out-number thev“bad” ones, you silence them! After all, I did this for you with great love, in great spirits, in humour and with many talented and serious colleagues by my side. You know it! So, I thank you and love it so much that we enjoyed it with such a passion, together!
Thanks for all the love guys!!
Anna”
We saw Anna visit her ill father, Mr Nestora, and mother and spend some quality time with her family in Cyprus. This provoked widespread topic for “discussion” among the lunchtime tv gossip shows following the series of clips that were shown during the first episode.
Since we are unable to express the truth and her own feelings on the matter, here is a text which, while it notably answers to third party rumours, is directed to her one and only Fannatics. She thanks them for the love they show her, both during the good and bad times:
“I am truly touched how you have all welcomed this new “project” of mine with open arms. Because I strongly felt that I gave it my all and nothing I included was “fake” and I had no other ulterior motive than to tell my story. It was there for those who were interested to listen and follow my life in a bit of a different way from what we have been used to…I was expecting these “predictable” negative reactions ( where would we be without them) and from the same “predictable” presenters or “social commentators” as they like to be labelled. It would not be in any way a reason for me not to do something that I wanted to do and was sure of with my hand on my hand. However, the truth is that I was really upset when I heard some people chip in with “nasty” and “poisonous” remarks regarding what they saw in the scenes with my father….It is as if being ill is a taboo subject, something heinous and bad that we must hide away and not talk about and certainly not show in on TV for Christ’s sake! Like everyone, I have a family with a father, a mother, brothers and sisters, relatives and a daughter. I believe it would be wrong of me not to show my father in my story who might not be in a position to be dulled up and parading and talking on TV but who exists, laughs and is happy that people are by his side to help and to love him. Not only did I not “sell out” on my father, as it was wrongly claimed, but I showed how proud of him I am.
Sorry guys but I felt I had to defend THIS as you can understand. I will continue to read what you write on twitter and on facebook. I feel am learning from you and gain more energy as many of you say that you do from me. There are so many of you, you out-number thev“bad” ones, you silence them! After all, I did this for you with great love, in great spirits, in humour and with many talented and serious colleagues by my side. You know it! So, I thank you and love it so much that we enjoyed it with such a passion, together!
Thanks for all the love guys!!
Anna”
In April, during Antoni Samara’s run up to the elections, Anna was asked about the relationship the two had many years ago. This question opened a whole new can of worms and questions that followed and was seen mentioned in the first episode of her reality show “Oso eho foni”!
Anna’s answer: “I was introduced to Antoni by Manolis Mitsias. He had just returned from his studies at Harvard University and was a really clever and sweet person. I am not sure if he still has this about him today because, as you know, politicians have a “sell by date”. If he has not “gone off” yet, he will make a good Prime Minister. Either way, today’s politics have already turned rotten. There is so much played behind the scenes that I do not know if this allows him the space to be his true self. I for one, met Antonis in another time in his life so, I am not able to comment on the Antonis we see today.”
Must Cyprus, April
Anna’s answer: “I was introduced to Antoni by Manolis Mitsias. He had just returned from his studies at Harvard University and was a really clever and sweet person. I am not sure if he still has this about him today because, as you know, politicians have a “sell by date”. If he has not “gone off” yet, he will make a good Prime Minister. Either way, today’s politics have already turned rotten. There is so much played behind the scenes that I do not know if this allows him the space to be his true self. I for one, met Antonis in another time in his life so, I am not able to comment on the Antonis we see today.”
Must Cyprus, April