In the late 1980s, still a student, I found myself at "Stratos" on Filellinon. After midnight, Dionysios took to the stage with a steady step and a dignified demeanor, without cheap theatrics, poses, or tricks.

Earlier, the orchestra had played an instrumental medley of his hits. From "Paliatzis" to "Thessaloniki", from "Ypokrineis" to "Me, the Stranger", from "Why, my God, life" to "If I had the courage". Yet Stratos, with his gaze, brilliance, nobility, and prestige, managed to captivate attention and steal the show before he even sang.

Awe but also familiarity emanated from his posture, walk, restrained smile, the way he held the microphone and addressed the musicians. You could immediately tell that the stage and the venue were like his home, and he, as the host, had to welcome and take care of his guests.

It was evident from afar that Stratos enjoyed his role and the acceptance he received from the people, the appreciation, the admiration, and the respect they showed him.