Few people on this earth have the true spirit of a Zorba; the spirit of being happy. Chris Manos, known as Tekno, from Sydney had that spirit.
But on Wednesday all who knew him were shaken with the news that the 50-year-old, who had grown to be a staple in Brighton-Le-Sands and abroad in Mykonos since the 1990s, had passed away. It was a rumour that few wanted to believe, with people expressing their disbelief on social media, and in personal messages.
I was one of those people. Upon hearing the news, I tried to call Chris’ phone, but it rang out. I was heartbroken.
Many of us had been with him just earlier this month in Bay Vista, where he proudly showed off a film he had starred in.
At the news, a friend of mine on Mykonos immediately told me that with Tekno, a piece of the old Mykonos had died on Wednesday. She was right. Tekno had been dancing, and entertaining visitors to Mykonos since 1993, when the Drachma reigned supreme and the now famed island was first starting to emerge as a global tourist destination.
Another mutual friend on the island, Anna Moskalova revealed that she knew Tekno since he was 17.
“He was always happy. All he ever did was be happy and make others smile. The whole island will miss him,” Anna said.
Yiakomis from Super Paradise expressed his shock over the news.
“For me and my family, Tekno is family! We are all really sad; he was the best man. I have cried since the morning.”
Closer to home, President of the Mytilenean Brotherhood of Sydney and NSW, Peter Psomas offered his condolences to the Manos family.
“Chris and I grew up together in the same neighbourhood and shared a lot of fond memories from our fishing trips with all the boys in the back lane to our games of cricket,” Peter said.
“Tekno has touched a lot of people with his happy-go-lucky way of life and Bay Vista will never be the same. I will miss our chats about Mykonos. We had planned a trip to Lesvos next year. To his brother Jim, Ken and Sofia, my second parents growing up, my deepest condolences and be strong. I along with all his friends are there for you.”
Over the last few years, Tekno had entertained people during the afternoon at Super Paradise in Mykonos, where he was known for his signature ‘Butterfly’ move, locking his two hands together. During the evening he was part of the fabric at Queen Bar in Mykonos Town where he met people from all over the world. His genuine persona, and approachable nature would result in plenty of tourist selfies.
When I asked about Chris at the places he worked in Mykonos, everyone would tell me the same thing: “einai to kalitero paidi” (“he is the greatest guy”).
Back in Sydney, Bay Vista has shut its doors for several days in a moving tribute to their favourite son and doorman.
There he is fondly remembered at a young age, dancing on tables and bringing people together by simply being himself.
It was there that he befriended Cronulla Sharks players, such as Andrew Fifita and Blake Ferguson, who treated Chris as one of their own and have since reached out to the family.
Meanwhile for those in Sydney and Mykonos, its likely they would have seen Tekno as a star attraction at big events or at Red Martins, as well as adorning CD covers, magazines, billboards and at one time, he was plastered on dozens of Sydney busses as the face of an advertising campaign.
Since 2015, Chris appeared in four short film projects, including his leading role as Zorba in Bromance: Zorba Gets a Girlfriend and the award-winning Mykonos: The Other Side.
Entering Bay Vista via Grand Parade, the site has become a location for floral tributes.
Brighton may never be the same again.
Speaking to prominent local DJ, George Soravia who worked with Tekno as far back as 1995, he says he hopes his good friend will fly high.
“Our brother, (hopefully) he never stops dancing. Until we all meet again, kalo paradiso filarako.”
I once asked Chris why he goes to Mykonos every year, and what it is about dancing he loves so much; to him it was simply about enjoying yourself, being who you are, living your life happily, with a spirit that is free. His spirit will always be free.
May his legacy and soul live forever.
Our deepest condolences to the Manos family.
Thanks for everything Tekno.
Love your friend, Billy Cotsis.