22. GREECE 2001
Die For You.performed by Antique
If Nanne had won the UK final, there'd be more Swedes in this year's contest than Tesco's turnip section. Keeping the Scando faith are Antique (some of whom hail from Volvo spawning Gothenburg), who won the Greek final quite easily with the song Die For You.
The final was held in a top Athens nightclub, with the audience allegedly holding a whip-round so that the victorious Antiquarians could celebrate with a small bottle of San Miguel.
This marks a return to the Big Singing Game for the Greeks after a three year absence, and they've picked a bit of a corker to make a comeback with. Probably their best chance since Socrates in 1979, Die for You is currently sitting at the top of a clutch of fan polls - but then, so was Aava in 1998 and Marlain in 1999, two acts which managed 23 points between them on their respective big nights.
HEARD-IT: A mixture of Greek and English lyrics with (hock shorror!) a bouzouki riff that doesn't make you feel drowsy, this is a good 'un with a good draw.
Israel put a three year hiatus to good use in 1998, so the good folk of Athens must have been taking notes. All they need know is a stroppy bearded bass player who keeps shouting, "Phase! The camera! Phase!" at the telly.