Arno

Biography

Arnold Charles Ernest Hintjens, famously known as Arno, was a renowned Belgian vocalist born on May 21, 1949, in Ostend. He rose to prominence as the charismatic frontman of TC Matic, one of the most celebrated Belgian bands during the 1980s. Following the band's disbandment in 1986, Arno embarked on a successful solo career that spanned several decades.

His musical repertoire was distinctive, blending English, French, Dutch, and his regional Ostend-Flemish dialect. As a key songwriter for TC Matic, he collaborated closely with guitarist and producer Jean-Marie Aerts, crafting a variety of songs that resonated across Europe. After going solo, Arno released over a dozen albums, further solidifying his place in the music scene. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, he was honored as "Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres" by the French government in 2002. His life was chronicled in a 2004 biography by Gilles Deleux, which was later translated into Dutch as Een lach en een traan ("A Smile and a Tear").

Arno also ventured into acting, playing the role of Harry, a gay lifeguard, in the Belgian film Camping Cosmos. His health took a turn in early 2020 when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, leading to the postponement of his tour. Despite his illness, he continued to perform and record, with his final album, Opex, released during this challenging time. Arno passed away on April 23, 2022, in Brussels, leaving behind a rich legacy at the age of 72.