Joy, an Austrian band that conquered the Soviet Union with two songs

In 1980s three friends from a small Austrian town bad aussee Freddie Yaklich, Manfred Temmel and Andy Schweitzer organized a musical group entitled "Joy", or, as our listeners say, "Joy. The guys have known each other since schools, the eldest of them was then 16 years. At the time, they had no idea that unite to the group, become authors songs, which fall in love listeners from all over the world.

History of creation

When the group is only was born, each musician had own life: Andy worked policemen, Freddie taught at school and Manfred served various parties and thus one of the first to know about songsthat will become popular. Group made a name for herself in the 80s: most of their best were written during this period hits and recordswho enjoyed great popularity listeners because of the deep meaning and beautiful melodies.

Dance direction has been chosen quicklyas well as title team. Debut track Lost In Hong Kong musicians released in 1985, and although he did not become popular, Attention no matter the group attracted by. In the same year the track "Touch By Touch" a couple of days after the release was in first place in Austrian charts. On the radio song was heard frequently, making them popular not only in their homeland, but throughout the Europe and USSRwhere the song is especially fell in love listeners. Selling about fifty thousand copies records, the team received golden certificate. Freddie Yaklich said:

"Touch By Touch" begins with a melody played on accordion. While working on the track, we thought that she was very recalls Russian music, but did not give it big values. And so we love Russian culture and often get inspired her when creating records and compositions. For example, writing a song "Valerie" inspired by Elton John's video Nikita.

Gradually, the artists began joint work with a producer Michael Scheiklrepresenting Austria on "Eurovision" in the early 80s. In a number first songs "Joy" he played important role: Michael was backing vocalist and sound engineerand also composed some arrangements and poems for tracks. In 30 years, Michael will become official team member: he will replace Freddy Yaklichawho left Joy's group.

Debut record hello ranked first in several ratings and did them pop stars. Their albums have been released in over twenty countries. The group did not stop there and 1986 completed work on the next album "Joy And Tears", which included the track "Japanese girls". Andy Schweitzer talked about her:

"Japanese girls" is a composition dedicated to Japanese girls, or rather their beautiful eyes. This song is very close. When we first performed, then our Chinese fans asked write another version, but about Chinese girls. We later released "Korean" version. Between these Asian countries were tense relationship, so we had to write this song in several variations.

On the concerts the group performed songsnot yet released officially, the fans were crazy about Night Of The Nights and "Valerie" the last composition was incredibly popular in USSR. In 1987, for one of the performances groups it came about 50 thousand viewers. After a performance in Seoul, where several tens of thousands human, group won the love of listeners from South Korea. For the tour was released compilation best old compositions. Group gave concerts in USA and European countries.

Creative crisis

Like many people whose activity is related to art, the team did not escape creative crisis. Group for an indefinite period stopped activity. Andy Schweitzerwho redeemed copyrightreleased several compositions, but they sounded very different and did not use such popularitylike previous hits groups.

However, the group 1989 recorded a record "3rd" on vinyl and in 1992 re-released it in CD, which was later re-recorded under the title "She's Dancing Alone". The record is completely do not like on the previous work of the team, has changed a lot style music. The songs were more dispassionate, when compared with previous dance masterpieces Joy. composed most of the tracks Andy Schweitzer. Later he will continue the musical career, collaborating with various German, Swiss and Spanish groups. Manfred Temmel worked for some time leading music programs.

rebirth

In 90s an attempt was made revive band. The musicians once again began work over new tracks, even planned to record album, but still plate didn't come out.

The fans were distressed. It seemed to them that they would never again will not return on stage, but Freddy Yaklichu and Manfreud Temmel received suggestions from company "Sony BMG" about rebuilding the group. A year later at musicians single released Hello Mrs. Johnson", Unfortunately, not becoming quite successful.

In 1999 record company OK Musica released on CD Best Of Joy - compilation, which contains best compositions from the first records groups, for example "Chinese girls", "Touch by touch millennium mix".

Joy now

In 2019 The band's bassist dies at the age of 61 Manfred Temmel, and in 2021 - Anzo Moravic. Now in Austrian collective Andy Schweitzer, Michael Scheikl, Leo Bey participate. Musicians released several new compositions, songs are featured on their website "Sunshine Boogie" and Lunapark. The musicians are now performing at various festivalsdedicated music of the 80s. IN 2020–2021 the musicians planned to give a concert in Moscowas the band is still very much loved by the Russian public. Below is one of their performances in 2015 in Russia.