This morning Latvian Eurovision singer and television star Valters Fridenbergs passed away after losing his long fight against cancer. He was 30 years old.
Valters is best known to Eurovision fans for representing Latvia at Eurovision 2005 as part of the duo Walters and Kazha. With his singing partner Kārlis Būmeisters, the pair performed “The War is Not Over”, which went on to place fifth — Latvia’s third best Eurovision result.
Valters kept a strong connection with Eurovision. He delivered Latvia’s points in 2012 and was part of LTV’s commentary team from 2011 to 2017.
But his career involved so much more than just Eurovision. Valters was a beloved singer in Latvia. He gained popularity as a vocalist in youth bands Dzeguzite and Putnu balle.
In 2011 Valters joined the band Tumsa after their lead singer Martins Freimanis had suddenly passed away, aged 33. Freimanis was also part of Latvia’s Eurovision 2003 trio F.L.Y.
Valters received his cancer diagnosis two years ago. Following three rounds of chemotherapy and an operation, there was hope that he had pulled through. But last summer brought bad news, as the cancer had reached his lymph nodes, progressing in an even more harmful way.
Last year a fundraiser was launched to support Valters in his treatment programme. More than 100,000 euros were raised which went towards treatment at a specialist clinic in Germany.
Valters was praised for his positive attitude in the face of serious illness and he stayed involved in creative projects.
The wiwibloggs team offers our deepest condolences to Valters’ family and friends.
SO sad..
And thank you for post Edgar!
RIP buddy.Thank you for everything you gave and did for Latvia!!!!xxx
“The War Is Not Over” wasn’t one of my favorite entries but in the end I liked the innocence and hopefulness of this performance. Who would have thought that this young guy, only 17 there – bascially a child, would pass away at 30. He was my age and, given health troubles I experienced, I have to admit that this story hit me even harder. Deep respect for him for fighting till the end and keeping positive spirit – it can be almost impossible at times. Such a tragic story. I didn’t know that one of the F.L.Y. members passed… Read more »
Such sad news, he was so young. Just watched his song again, it was such a lovely, gentle entry, they performed it beautifully. Very sad.
Really tragic news!
He was so young…
May he rest in peace!
:'(
Did you just compare a withdrawal from a song competition to the DEATH of a human being?!
How sad. Rest in peace.
Check yourselves for lumps, people! Any sign of irregularity, go straight to your doctor as fast you can.
He was way to young… He and his partner had one of the cutest performances I can remember….
I hope The War Is Not Over will become Eurovision hit on this year as a tribute. What a loss. 🙁
I am absolutely heartbroken over this. The war is not over was and is still one of the most beautiful Eurovision songs that has ever been created and I remeber being so thrilled that they did so well in 2005. Such sad news. His war against cancer might be over, but now he at least gets to rest in peace. Walters <3
I was positive he was in remission! Watched his interview not that long ago and he was in good spirits and excited about his new chapter after his last round of chemo. Such sad news! RIP beautiful soul.
What a shame. Far too young an age to lose anybody. It was a very cute performance he gave back in 2005.
Awful for the family, to have somebody dying at 30. RIP.
Extremely sad to hear this, I loved “The War is Not Over” and it’s still the last Top 5 Latvia achieved at ESC, Valters was only 16 or 17 at the time in Kyiv 2005, wow! life is awfully short though, RIP x
He was the cute one of the duo. They did surprisingly well in 2005.
Such sad news