- Opus (band)
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For the former Yugoslav band, see Opus (former Yugoslav band).File:Opus 7.jpgOpus performing in Austria in 2007
Opus performing in Vienna in 2008
Herwig Rüdisser (Opus)Opus is a pop-rock group from Graz, Austria. Formed in 1973, the group remains active today. The band is especially well known for its 1985 single release, "Live Is Life."
Contents
History
In 1985 Opus released "Live Is Life," which topped the charts in many countries; it was a #1 hit in Canada for seven weeks in late 1985 and early 1986.[1] A live recording of the song made the Top 40 in the US in 1985. It reached #6 in the UK Singles Chart on August 3, 1985, and stayed in the charts for 15 weeks.[2] The track is popular as a sing-along song for crowds at sports events in Europe.
Another standout track from Opus was the power ballad "Flyin' High," a live version of which appeared both on the Life is Live album, and on their successful US release, Up and Down. At a concert in the mid 1980s, fellow Austrian rock star Falco joined Opus on stage for a rendition of "Flyin' High."
Opus remains active, "Live is Life" remaining its pinnacle release to date. The band also has had success with other songs in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Members
- Herwig Rüdisser (Vocals)
- Ewald Pfleger (Guitar)
- Petra Douglas Charles Welby (Glockenspiel)
- Kurt-Rene Plisnier (Keyboard)
- Günter Grasmuck (Drums)
In Popular Culture
"Live is Life" has been included in such ventures and projects as: the official goal-scoring song for the New York Islanders 2010-2011 season, the Current TV series Deadliest Journeys on the episode "Siberia", and the soundtrack to the 2011 film Take Me Home Tonight.
Cover versions of this song have also been performed by Starkoo, Laibach, the Hungarian band Tormentor, the Estonian band Kuldne Trio ("Laip on Laip") and Dolapdere Big Gang. Additionally, as a guest, DJ Ötzi released a version with the Hermes House Band in 2002, which reached #50 in the UK chart.[3]
Discography
Albums
- Daydreams (1980)
- Eleven (1981)
- Opusition (1982)
- Up and Down (1984)
- Live Is Life (live) (1984)
- Solo (1985)
- Opus (1987)
- Magical Touch (1990)
- Walkin' On Air (1992)
- Jubileé (live) (1993)
- Love, God & Radio (1996)
- Flyin' Higher - Greatest Hits (Best-Of) (2003)
- The Beat Goes On (2004)
- Back to Future - the Ultimate Best-Of (2008)
Singles
Year Title Top-Position AUS D CH IT US FR UK[2] 1982 "Flyin' High" 5 45 5 - - - - 1985 "Live Is Life" 1 1 2 6 32 1 6 1985 "Flyin' High (live version)" ? 37 5 - - - - 1987 "Whiteland" 3 - - - - - 1988 "Faster and Faster" 12 - - - - - - 1992 "Gimme Love " 9 - - - - - - 1994 "The Power of Live Is Life" 3 - - - - - - References
- ^ Lwin, Nanda. Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide (2000). Mississsauga, Ont.: Music Data Canada
- ^ a b Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 408. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 251. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
External links
- The Official Opus Homepage
- Opus discography at MusicBrainz
Categories:- Austrian musical groups
- Musical groups established in 1973
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