Greek singer Apon has spoken about attending the funeral of fellow singer Giorgos Mazonakis, saying he experienced the moment with complete calm and respect and deliberately stayed away from cameras and interviews.
Mazonakis, who died at the age of 54 of cardiac arrest, was buried on Monday, September 14, at the Third Cemetery of Athens. Before the burial, his body lay in public repose at the Holy Church of Agia Triada in Nikaia, where mourners including Apon came to pay their respects.
Apon's Instagram tribute
Marking his appearance at the farewell, Apon posted a message on Instagram explaining that he wanted to say goodbye to the singer without standing in front of television cameras.
In the post, Apon said he had attended the funeral that day to say goodbye to a great artist, friend and collaborator. He said that wanting to live through the moment with complete calm and respect, he had preferred to stay away from the spotlight and from making public statements. He said the void Mazonakis leaves behind is great, and added that people should always remember him with love and with his songs.
A shared duet and stage history
Apon and Mazonakis had performed together as a duet on the song "Paidi Tis Nychtas" (Child of the Night). Their collaboration also extended to live performances, including shows at the Akti Peiraios venue.
An earlier tribute
Apon had already addressed Mazonakis's death days earlier, when he canceled a scheduled concert following the news. At the time, he said that at such moments, music takes second place.
About the funeral setting
The Third Cemetery of Athens is one of the Greek capital's principal cemeteries, where funerals for well-known public figures are often held. Nikaia, where the public viewing took place, is a municipality near Piraeus, west of central Athens.
