Greek singer Panos Mouzourakis gave an emotionally charged concert at the Limassol Municipal Garden Theatre in Cyprus on Wednesday evening, dedicating much of the performance to his friend and fellow artist Giorgos Mazonakis two days after his death.
Mouzourakis took the stage visibly moved and admitted to the audience that he found it difficult to manage his emotions. He told the crowd that their presence helped him feel better during the performance.
Speaking to the audience, Mouzourakis said that Mazonakis would want everyone to have a good time from where he was watching above. He joked that his late colleague might ask why he was holding concerts after his death, adding that if Mazonakis were to criticize him for anything, it would be to stop talking and start singing.
First meeting in Crete
From the stage in Limassol, Mouzourakis recalled the first time he saw Mazonakis perform live in Crete and remembered meeting him in the dressing room after the show. He spoke about Mazonakis's voice and stage presence, describing him as a unique individual.
The two performers later developed a close personal relationship and worked together on television as coaches on the talent show The Voice. Mouzourakis told the audience that the public had lost a great artist.
Addressing online criticism
Mouzourakis also addressed criticism he had received for not posting a public farewell to Mazonakis on social media. He explained that he did not believe anyone was obligated to publicly display their grief or how they experience mourning.
He remarked that sometimes silence speaks louder, suggesting that whatever choice he made regarding his grief could have faced criticism.
Musical farewell on stage
The most emotional moment of the evening came when Mouzourakis shifted from speaking to singing. He initially dedicated a Robbie Williams song to Mazonakis before performing one of the songs closely associated with his late colleague.
Appearing near tears during the performance, Mouzourakis offered his personal farewell to Mazonakis directly from the Limassol stage in front of the live audience rather than through an online statement.
Funeral and ongoing investigation
Giorgos Mazonakis was a prominent Greek singer known for his decades-long career in modern laiko and pop music. His funeral is scheduled to take place on Monday at 1:00 p.m. in Nikaia, near Athens.
Greek authorities and legal representatives are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding Mazonakis's death, including medical treatment administered prior to his cardiac arrest and testimony from emergency responders.
