Entertainment
Boney M founder Frank Farian dies aged 82-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro
He had a pig heart valve inserted two years ago.
![Boney M founder Frank Farian dies aged 82-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SEI_188393813-9acd.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=1024)
Boney M founder Frank Farian has died aged 82 (Picture: Florian Seefried/Getty Images)
Boney M founder Frank Farian has died at the age of 82.
The renowned German music producer’s death was confirmed by his representatives.
A native of the town of Kirin, he died peacefully at his apartment in Miami, Florida.
Known and loved for his success with disco-pop group Boney M in the 1970s, Farian was behind hits such as Rasputin and Daddy Cool, to name just two.
The Brown Girl in the Ring hitmakers sold more than 150million records worldwide.
As well as his work with the group, he collaborated with a range of stars during his lengthy career, from Meat Loaf to Stevie Wonder.
The music star was responsible for hits like Rasputin and Daddy Cool (Picture: EPA)
He also founded the Latin pop band No Mercy and R&B band Milli Vanilli, who went on to sell 800million records.
But, he was caught up in controversy and legal troubles with the latter group when they lip-synced at the Grammy Awards in 1990.
It was reported that there were more than 26 lawsuits filed in the US under consumer fraud protection laws.
Speaking previously about his unexpected achievements in the industry, Farian told the German news agency DPA: ‘The success was a huge surprise.
‘I had always thought I wouldn’t make it. It didn’t look like it at first.’
In 2022, Farian underwent surgery to have a pig heart valve inserted, which he credited for saving his life.
He needed the operation because his valve shrank with age.
Farian died at his home in Miami, Flordia (Picture: Peter Bischoff/Getty Images)
Speaking in his last interview with German newspaper Bild in November, the music star said: My heart valve works wonderfully.
‘Mick Jagger also received exactly the same heart valve.
‘I have a good pig in me! And I’m very grateful for that.’
As a result of the surgery, Farian said that he was prescribed a similar drug to Viagara.
‘This is a similar active ingredient to Viagra and has a nice side effect. But to be honest, I’m not thinking about sex at all at the moment,’ he added. ‘Today I enjoy a good meal and am just happy that I’m still alive.’
However, sadly, Farian’s health declined following the op.
Following extreme weight loss, he also had to use a wheelchair and relied on breathing apparatus due to issues with his lungs.
Farian had a pig valve inserted into his chest in 2022 (Picture: Becker & Bredel/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
He also struggled to speak in his later days.
Despite his deteriorating condition, Farian was still in the studio working on new tunes.
Just days ago, Farian was visited by his close friend and ex-partner, Ingrid ‘Milli’ Segieth in Miami.
Describing a recent trip to Germany, the 69-year-old said: ‘Frank was physically very weak, but was still full of energy.
‘He was still sitting in the recording studio all day, working on new music.’
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