In 1985, the song "Valerie" made a splash in the Soviet Union. The Austrian group "Joy", performing a dance pop song, became the first participant in the "Disco 80s". Over time, the musicians have become the totem and emblem of the annual festival.
The peak of the collective's fame came in the eighties. Songs appeared that became international hits. The released albums were distinguished by the melody and beauty of the music. This made the compilations favorites of the listeners.
Start
The history of the group began in 1984 in the Austrian resort town of Bad Aussee. Freddy Jaklich Manfred Temmel Andy Schweizer was into music. After completing his school course, Freddie became a teacher, Andy chose a career in the police. Only Manfred did not leave his teenage hobby, becoming a DJ.
The acclaimed Schweizer decided to found his own group. He persuaded his school friends to play it. Temmel and Yaklich left their jobs and fully engaged in creativity. Later, producer Michael Scheikl, who represented Austria at Eurovision in the early eighties, joined the promising guys as a backing vocalist. He was also involved in arrangements, sound engineering, wrote texts.
The guys chose dance pop music as their direction. The single "Lost in Hong Kong" caught the attention of the public. They started talking about the newcomers. Autumn 1985 the song "Touch By Touch" entered the national hit parade, bringing "Joy" both European fame and a gold certificate.
Pros and cons
The song was included in the album "Hello". The release soared to the top of the Austrian charts, and the musicians were included in the national elite. The conquest of Europe was followed by recognition in Asian countries.
After touring in support of the second disc, "Joy And Tears", the band presented a greatest hits compilation. The triumph suddenly turned into a creative crisis.
Then there was an attempt to return the former popularity of "Joy". After the recording of several compositions and an almost completed album with a new keyboardist, Johannes Grebl, the band stopped their concert activities, and the collection never came out.
In 1996 Freddie and Manferd started the Die Seer project. Over the 12 years of its existence, he has delighted fans with both vivid compositions and memorable clips. Since 2008, after the departure of Temmel, Yaklich became the frontman of the team.
New takeoff
Yaklich refused to resume activities, choosing the work of a vocalist in his own project. His place in 2012 was taken by Michael, who has become a permanent soloist since 2014. On his initiative, the album "Enjoy" was released.
The group took part in mini-euro tours and festivals. Bassist Temmel, who passed away, was replaced in 2019 by Leo Bay. The group "Joy" has been constantly participating in the project "Disco 80s" since 1997, and performs in Europe.
In early spring 2017, the team presented the composition "Lunapark". However, no new discs followed: the group was engaged in concert activities. The tour schedule turned out to be fully scheduled for several years in advance.
