I have just learned the terrible news that my longtime friend Marcel van den Belt, known to many of us as Marcello D’Azzurro, has suddenly passed away.
I had known Marcello since 1991, when I first started producing Eurobeat, and we immediately had a great connection.
Over all these years, whenever we spoke on the phone, we actually talked very little about music. We talked about life, about old stories, and we laughed. A lot.
All I had to say was “Pelletteria” and we would both start laughing. Only the two of us knew why.
There are so many other stories and memories in my mind right now, but I think I’ll keep those just for me and for him.
His passing was sudden and completely unexpected, and I’m honestly shocked. In moments like this, there really isn’t much to say.
What remains are all the memories, and the regret that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye.
I will always think of you, Marcello. ❤️