'Yes Sir, I Can Boogie' Baccara singer Maria Mendiola dies aged 69: One half of Spanish duo behind unofficial anthem of Scottish football fans passes away

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Maria Mendiola, one half of popular Spanish duo Baccara who had the hit 1977 disco anthem Yes Sir, I Can Boogie, has died.  

Maria Mendiola was best known for her rendition of the hit song which helped the group shoot to early stardom in the 1970s and continues to be the unofficial anthem for Scottish football fans.

Her management company, Tony Denton Promotions, confirmed she has passed away surrounded by family in Madrid at the age of 69.

One half of Spanish duo Baccara, Maria Mendiola (centre) has died aged 69, her management company has confirmed

Stars: Maria Mendiola (left) and Cristina Sevilla pictured in Madrid, Spain ahead of their last album launch 'I Belong To Your Heart' in June 2017

Baccara bandmate Cristina Sevilla, wrote on Instagram: 'My dear Maria, a wonderful artist but above all my friend left us today. I can only thank so much love for how (sic) I have received from you'

Maria Mendiola and Mayte Matheos, the original female duo who shot to stardom with their 1977 disco hit Yes Sir, I Can Boogie. Pictured: The pair in 1978

Cristina Sevilla, who replaced Mendiola in Baccara after she stepped aside due to arthritis in 2008, expressed her gratitude on social media in a message written in Spanish.

And the group's official page also paid a powerful tribute to Mendiola online.

The tribute read: 'My dear Maria, a wonderful artist but above all my friend left us today, ' her bandmate Cristina Sevilla wrote on Instagram, announcing the news.

'I don’t have the words… I can only be grateful for the love I have received from you. 

'I can only tell you what I had the opportunity to say so many times in life... I love you.' 

Her family released a further statement on Sunday: 'She will always be remembered for her love, dedication and respect for the world of music and interpretation. We will always remember her smile.' 

Maria Mendiola pictured in Madrid, Spain in June 2017

After starting their careers as flamenco dancers in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Mayte Mateos and Maria Mendiola formed the Spanish group Baccara in 1977. 

The duo were signed to RCA Records in the UK after being spotted by a record label executive.

The duo recorded Yes Sir, I Can Boogie as their first single - topping the charts in 10 European countries, including the UK, and setting a then record for girl groups after selling more than 16 million copies.

Baccara's self-titled 1977 debut album shot the pair to instant success - with follow-up single Sorry, I'm a Lady reaching the top 10 of the UK charts the following year. 

The pair released two more albums together, but broke off their professional partnership in 1981 and launched two competing bands - Bacarra and New Baccara.  

Mendiola’s version of the band featured vocalist Marisa Pérez - achieving success with their 1980 club hits 'Touch Me', 'Call me Up' and 'Fantasy Boy'.  

Before her passing, Mendiola had previously said she was 'touched' by fans who kept Baccara's hit single relevant 'for so many years.'

Speaking as Yes Sir, I Can Boogie re-entered the charts after the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament this summer, she said: 'I never thou­ght I'd be in the charts again. I am not young any more but I guess it shows I can still boogie. 

'The Scotland team has reminded people we exist, which is very nice.'

Hundreds of fans, many Scottish, flocked to Twitter to pay their own tributes to the Spanish singing star

Yes Sir, I Can Boogie was first linked to Scottish football in 2015 when a video of Aberdeen and international defender Andy Considine signing the song in drag with others during his stag do was leaked on YouTube.

The hit track was given a fresh lease of life after hitting number three in one UK singles chart in mid-November 2020 when Scotland defeated Serbia in a Euro 2020 play-off, with footage of Considine and his team-mates dancing and singing along to the track going viral.

The song, which has since been covered by Goldfrapp, The Fratellis and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, was heard being sung loudly and proudly by Scotland fans throughout the tournament in 2021.

In May, Clyde Radio 1 DJ George Bowie collaborated with Baccara and DJ Sparkos for a new remix of Yes Sir, I Can Boogie. 

The Scottish DJ also was part of a successful world record attempt to perform the biggest combined sing-a-long of Yes Sir, I Can Boogie.

Writing on Twitter, he said: 'Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Maria Mendiola. Only met her a year ago but in that time we got to number 2 in the charts and made it into The Guinness Book Of Records. 

'A true legend taken too soon. Thinking about her family & loved ones.'

Hundreds of fans, many Scottish, flocked to Twitter to pay their own tributes to the Spanish singing star.

Wendy Shannon wrote: 'My first ever record bought! RIP Maria.'

Another wrote: 'So sad to hear this news.' 

Another said: 'María Mendiola, who sang the disco anthem Yes Sir, I Can Boogie, has died at the age of 69. 

'The anthem became a hit across Scotland during the European championships Maria will always have a special place in the hearts of Scots. RIP.'