05 September 2023 , 21:32
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Auf Wiedersehen, Pet legend Joe Fagin has died aged 83 as his co-stars have been left devastated.
Sharing the news on their social media account, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, said: "Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Thank you so much for the memories Joe!" The pop singer-songwriter was best known for his hit Breakin' Away / That's Livin' Alright. He also sung a version of As Time Goes By for the 1990s BBC comedy series of the same name starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer.
Joe's Breakin' Away / That's Livin' Alright hit was used as the Auf Wiedersehen, Pet opening and closing theme tune and was repeated on Channel 4 in 1996 as a re-release. Fans reacted to the news on social media as one said: "So sad such a shock, love & thoughts for his family & loved ones, RIP." Another added: "Very sad loss. Thoughts are with his family. I still have the single which I bought when I was in school. So many very found memories of a Friday night watching this classic & singing to the opening & closing titles."
Joe Fagin was best known for his song that was used as Auf Wiedersehen, Pet's theme tune (YouTube)"Sad news. The songs he recorded for Auf Wiedersehen, Pet were absolutely perfect for the show. Rest in Peace," wrote a third. Someone else commented: "Shocked and saddened to hear about his passing. His songs and legacy will live on in his fan's. The theme songs for Auf Wiedersehen are some of the best tunes to grace the small screen. And for me personally bring back good memories of my past watching the show. R.I.P Joe and thanks."
Breakin' Away / That's Livin' Alright even went on to reach number three in the UK Singles Chart in 1984. Joe had success in the US with his single Younger Days. He also was part of The Crowd, which reached number one with the charity single You'll Never Walk Alone for the Bradford City stadium fire in 1985.
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To mark the 2006 World Cup, a reworked version of That's Living Alright was released as That's England Alright became the unofficial song. Auf Wiedersehen, Pet was a comedy-drama about seven British construction workers who leave the United Kingdom to search for employment overseas. Three passionate Geordies, a Brummie, Cockney, Bristolian and a Scouser were living in a hut on a German building site as they escaped unemployment in early-80s Thatcherite Britain.
Quick-witted Dennis, Oz, Neville, Barry, Moxy, Wayne and Bomber soon snatched a place in the nation's hearts. The show shaped careers with some of the country's most-loved actors getting their big break thanks to the popularity of the chaotic gang. Auf Wiedersehen, Pet helped launch Tim Healy's acting career as he played bricklayer Dennis. In 2020, the Daily Mirror told how Healy was unhappy that scenes had been cut from repeats of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet on UKTV.
“It’s political correctness gone mad,” he said. “The rhythm of the scenes is now stilted and awkward. It's a “shame all the gags have gone”. Timothy Spall played Barry Taylor, the electrician and boring but likeable Brummie, and his career went from strength to strength since.