Opus (Austrian band)


Opus was an Austrian pop-rock group. It was formed in 1973 in Graz and disbanded in 2021. The band was mainly known for its 1985 single release, "Live Is Life", which reached the Top 10 in several European countries.
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History

In 1985, Opus released "Live Is Life", which ranked first in various global charts. This included Canada, which ranked for seven weeks in late 1985 and early 1986. A live recording of the song made the Top 40 in the US in 1986. It ranked sixth in the UK Singles Chart on 3 August 1985, and stayed in the charts for 15 weeks.
Another standout track from Opus was the power ballad "Flyin' High", a live version of which appeared both on the Live is Life album, and a 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". On 24 November 2021, Opus performed the song in front of celebrating Austrian government officials during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group disbanded the same year on 21 December.

In popular culture

Cover versions of "Live is Life" have also been performed by Stargo, Laibach, the Hungarian band Tormentor, the Estonian band Kuldne Trio, Axxis, 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.

Band members

Current members

  • Herwig Rüdisser – vocals
  • Ewald Pfleger – guitar, backing vocals
  • Kurt-Rene Plisnier – keyboard
  • Günter Grasmuck – drums, percussion

Timeline


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Discography

Studio albums

Daydreams Eleven The Opusition Up and Down Solo Opus Magical Touch Walkin' on Air Love, God & Radio The Beat Goes On
  • ''Opus Magnum''

Live albums

Live Is Life Jubileé Tonight at the Opera
  • ''Graz Liebenau''

Compilation albums

Best of Greatest Hits – The Power of Live Is Life Flyin' Higher – Greatest Hits