Fans say goodbye to Arno at Ancienne Belgique in Brussels
Dozens of fans of Arno stand patiently in front of the Ancienne Belgique. It is the very last chance for them to say goodbye to the Belgian singer, nicknamed "le plus beau". Arno Hintjens died on Saturday 22nd of April at the age of 72 due to cancer.
On the facade of the AB hangs a large canvas with a picture of Arno winking, with the caption "Merci godverdomme" ("thanks, goddamnit"). The Belgian singer's family wanted to let fans say a final farewell to the artist, who was loved from Brussels to Ostend and far beyond.
"It was necessary and we are obliged to say goodbye to him. After his death, we laid flowers at his door and went to sign the mourning register in Brussels and Ostend. It is really necessary for the fans to pay their last respects to him", says fan Milo Schots.
In the entrance hall of the Ancienne Belgique there is a mourning register in which fans can write down their feelings. On a table there are two photos of a younger and older Arno and his colourful urn, just like the person and his career.
"He deserves that we pay homage to him. He was someone normal and spontaneous. He was our neighbour and we often passed him in the Sint-Katelijne quarter. We will miss his gaze, his silhouette", Schots adds.
(TOM)
Photo and video show fans waiting in line to say goodbye to Belgian singer Arno - © BELGA NILS QUINTELIER & DIRK WAEM