Makis Matsas reflects on historical dispute with Stelios Kazantzidis

Music industry figure Makis Matsas has spoken about his complex and historically significant relationship with the late singer Stelios Kazantzidis. In an interview on the program ‘For You’, Matsas addressed the long-standing conflict between them, which began in 1972 due to a binding contract. This legal dispute led to Kazantzidis being effectively barred from recording studios for approximately fourteen years until a government amendment in 1987 limited the duration of such contracts, allowing for his triumphant return with the album ‘O Dromos tis Epistrofis’.

Matsas stated that while the collaboration was difficult and caused him suffering, he holds no ill will toward the singer. He noted that he was moved by the fact that Kazantzidis continued to ask about his well-being during his final days. Matsas described Kazantzidis as a good but ‘strange’ person, asserting that there has never been another artist quite like him.

Additionally, Matsas reflected on his professional and personal connections with other prominent Greek artists, expressing his longing for Dimitris Mitropanos and Thanos Mikroutsikos. He also noted the enduring respect he receives from industry figures such as Giannis Pariou and George Dalaras.