Ostend

Did you know that there was a strong connection between Marvin Gaye and Ostend! Gaye stayed here for a year and a half to get his life back on track and gain new inspiration. Here are 10 interesting facts about Marvin Gaye in Ostend, linked to specific locations:

• Koningstraat: Marvin Gaye lived in a small apartment on this street, near the Mercury Hotel owned by the Cousaert family.
• Albert I-promenade 77: Here Gaye stayed in Freddy Cousaert's apartment on the seafront.
• Maria-Hendrikapark: Gaye often went running in the dunes and parks of Ostend to improve his health.
• Café Floride: This was Gaye's favorite café on the promenade, where he regularly had breakfast.
• Residence Jane: In this apartment complex, Gaye wrote his hit "Sexual Healing".
• Casino-Kursaal: The music video for "Sexual Healing" was filmed in this art-deco concert hall.
• Kursaal: A life-sized bronze statue of Gaye at a golden piano is located in the Kursaal congress center.
• Saint Peter and Paul Church: Gaye regularly sang in the church during his stay in Ostend.
• Sports Hall: Gaye often played basketball with local Ostend residents at the local sports hall.
• Mansion outside Ostend: In the autumn of 1982, Gaye bought a mansion with 21 rooms just outside the city, shortly before returning to America.

Pascal Brackman