Remembering Greek rock musician, Lavrentis Machairitsas

·

By Billy Patramanis.

Famous Greek rock musician, Lavrentis Machairitsas, was born in Volos on November 5th, 1956. To celebrate his life, we take a look back at some of his achievements.

Early Life:

Machairitsas was only six years old when he began taking piano lessions. His passion for music grew when he discovered The Beatles and bought their record ‘Help!’

Machairitsas’ first job was at a record store, however, his poor attitude got him fired. He was also known for misbehaving in school, having started a fight with one of his teachers and being expelled from his high school at the time. He was later banned from other high schools around Greece.

With schooling not an option for Machairitsas, he was forced into work. After working at several jobs without settling, he eventually joined the army, serving for 14 months.

Lavrentis Machairitsas. Source: Business Daily.

Music Career:

Once he left the army, he would begin singing in Syntrofia after meeting Panos Tzabelas. By 20 years old, Machairitsas formed a band with Pavlos Kirkilis, Takis Bassalakis and Antonios Mitzelos called the ‘P.L.J Band.’

The band began in Greece, however, they decided to relocate to Paris in the hope of becoming popular musicians outside of Greece. By 1982, Armageddon was released, becoming the bands first album.

The album wasn’t very popular upon release, and so for their second album, the band changed their name to Τερμίτες (Termites) and started singing in Greek.

Machairitsas would often hold concerts all over Greece.

Their popularity grew by 1984, after the release of their third record. In 1986, they released their fourth album.

After a highly successful music career, Termites would release their final album, Perimenontas Tin Vrochi (Waiting For the Rain), in 1988.

Machairitsas would then venture into a solo career as a writer and performing artist. His music became very popular, with his 1991 album, ‘Didymoteicho Blues.

During his solo career, Machairitsas would begin working closely with famous Greek musician Dionysis Tsaknis.

In 1995, Machairitsas would release what many regard as his greatest album, ‘Parathyra Pou Kourase I Thea’.

Legacy and Death:

Machairitsas, as his albums were highly successful, would often hold concerts all over Greece, with musical partner Tsaknis. He had many concerts with highly successful musicians such as Eleftheria Arvanitaki and Christos Thivaios.

On the 9th of September 2019, Machairitsas suffered a heart attack in his sleep, passing away at the age of 62. 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Earlwood’s Greek spirit centre stage as ‘Plateia’ Festival secures state funding

The City of Canterbury Bankstown will host the “Love Earlwood” festival thanks to the NSW Government’s Open Streets 2025-28 Program.

Greek Consul General honoured at Hellenic Club farewell event in Sydney

Sydney’s Greek community came together on Thursday for a dignified farewell dinner in honour of Greece’s Consul General, Ioannis Mallikourtis

Field of candidates announced for 2025 Greek Community of Melbourne Board election

Greek Community of Melbourne has officially called elections for a new Board of Directors, with members set to head to the polls on June 29.

Australia Cup 2025: Strong Greek heritage club presence as Final 32 locked in

The cast for the Hahn Australia Cup 2025 Round of 32 has been decided following the completion of the Preliminary Rounds.

Apostolakis and Trimis named on Young Matildas squad for upcoming training camp

CommBank Young Matildas Head Coach Alex Epakis has settled on a 32-player squad for a domestic training camp to be held in Sydney.

You May Also Like

Patricia Karvelas to host Q+A program after Stan Grant steps away

Patricia Karvelas is about to replace Stan Grant as a host of Q+A, while he is stepping away following a storm of racist abuse.  

Nick Galatas on next steps in the National Second Tier

The National Second Tier football competition, set to kick off in 2025, is currently facing uncertainty regarding its final structure. 

Unley High School in South Australia holds inaugural Hellenic Cup

The inaugural Hellenic Cup was hosted by Unley High School in South Australia, organised by the Greek Parents Committee.