House of Love: unjustly neglected?

Anyone catch them in New York? I'm psyched for the show here Sunday.

Also, sad news, just learned that Andrea Heukamp, original HoL rhythm guitarist/singer, recently died. I guess after she left the band she moved back to Germany and lived somewhat as a recluse, reportedly spending the last several years cleaning houses. She was found dead at 57. RIP.

jesus, that's sad news

aw that sucks
rip

Wow that is rotten.

Is there any particular article or source for that? I'd like to be able to share the news further.

This would be very sad. Andrea Heukamp had been contributing backing vocals to a band in Münster called Loving the Sun.

There was an obituary published in Münster earlier this month for a 57-year-old employee of the city called Andrea Heukamp, so that could well be her.

She sang vocals on what is probably my favourite House of Love track:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lut2wm-qtdk

I think I saw it on a Steve Hoffman forum thread, and it came by way of a post from someone claiming to be her cousin in a German Rolling Stone forum:

https://forum.rollingstone.de/foren/reply/11898217/

Google translate says:

Rest in peace Andrea Heukamp. (guitarist and background singer of The House Of Love and girlfriend of Chris Groothuisen)

Andrea is my cousin, lived in Munster after she left the band. She started with music in a shared apartment here in Münsterland, that's where she met Chris and they later went to London, founded House Of Love and recorded songs and played concerts. The music business and drugs bothered her, she became seriously ill and withdrew. In Münster she lived a secluded life and in recent years has made a living doing housekeeping jobs. My younger brother was in contact with my her right up to the end, he now arranges everything necessary with a friend/partner of Andrea's.
Andrea didn't get in touch last week as agreed, she was found lying dead in her room. A heart attack was probably the cause of death. Andrea was only 57 years old.

Take care up there, Andrea. It wasn't so nice for you down here. Bye.

So I guess there's a chance it's not accurate, but at the same time, no reason to believe it isn't, sadly.

perhaps they are unjustly neglected in 2023. I splurged for the Fontana box and yes it sounds wonderful. I like the butterfly album a lot more now, except for “never”.

I don’t really know what to say about this music. I think their records sound fabulous and guy had a real unique sensitive middle aged guy voice. The guitar playing is exquisite and vividly colorful, lush like fresh fruit, the drums hit just right in that British anthemic way…

“shine on” really is sheer perfection, whichever version

unjustly neglected perfection!