30 January – That’s crazy enough

I’m going back in time today, to a time when a country winning didn’t necessarily mean they’d host the contest the following year.

In 1971, we saw Monaco’s only win. They wanted to host the show, but wanted to do it outdoors. Our friends at the EBU said no/non/nein, and word went out that they wanted a venue. The BBC eventually took on the job and hosted a convivial show in Edinburgh. Closing the show was the duo Sandra & Andres, featuring today’s birthday boy Dries Holten. His outfit was one to remember to start with, and the jurors (all confined to Edinburgh Castle) liked it that much they finished fourth.

Andres is 82 today.

Gefeliciteerd, Andres!