Greek singer Nikos Oikonomopoulos paid an emotional tribute to the late Giorgos Mazonakis during his concert at Petra Theatre in Athens on Friday, September 25.
Oikonomopoulos had previously postponed the concert following Mazonakis’ death on September 9. When he finally took the stage, he paused during the performance to speak about his late friend and the memories he leaves behind.
“Remember Giorgos with love. What ultimately remains are the songs. These are what you will hear at home and at work,” Oikonomopoulos told the audience.
“Have a good trip, our Giorgos. Let us all sing and send him our love.”
He then made a deeply personal reference to his relationship with Mazonakis.
“And as for whether I loved him, only he knows. Only he knows if I loved him, if I supported him, if I was by his side.”
Oikonomopoulos also urged people not to turn Mazonakis’ death into a subject for speculation and social media commentary.
He said people should avoid making assumptions about the singer, his family or the circumstances surrounding his death, stressing that justice should determine what happened.
“Everyone carries something in their soul,” Oikonomopoulos said, revealing that he too is dealing with something significant that he may speak about publicly in the future.
“I have something very important, which I will not share with you yet. At some point I will share it so that you know that even in this difficult moment, I am here, I am present, I am trying.”
The singer also reflected on Mazonakis’ three decade career and the lasting impact of his music.
“George was a singer. George is a singer that you loved. For 30 years, you listened to his songs and you will continue to listen to his songs.”
Oikonomopoulos then dedicated two songs to his late friend, performing “Φεύγω για Μένα” (Févgo gia Mēna) and “Ανήκω” (Aníko), songs closely associated with Mazonakis’ career.
His tribute came as the investigation into Mazonakis’ death continues, with authorities examining the circumstances surrounding the medical treatment he received before his death.
For Oikonomopoulos, however, the focus of the evening was on remembering Mazonakis through his music and saying goodbye to a fellow singer and friend.
