Opus: The Austrian Pop-Rock Hitmakers
Opus is an Austrian pop-rock band best known for their 1985 international smash hit "Live Is Life". Hailing from Graz, the group achieved global recognition with this single, which charted across Europe and beyond, eventually earning multi-platinum certifications in several countries for its massive sales.
Early career
Opus formed in 1973 in the Styrian region of Austria. The original lineup consisted of vocalist and bassist Herwig Rüdisser, guitarist Ewald Pfleger, keyboardist Kurt-Rene Plisnier, and drummer Günter Grasmuck.
They built a steady following in their home country with a melodic rock sound, releasing their debut album, Daydreams, in 1980 on the independent label OK-Musica. This early period established their core style, blending driving rock rhythms with accessible pop hooks.
Breakthrough
The band's breakthrough arrived in 1984 with the release of the live single "Live Is Life". Recorded at a concert in Vienna, the song's anthemic chant and simple, powerful groove resonated with audiences.
Initially a success in Austria, it spread organically across European radio, climbing charts from Germany to the United Kingdom. The track propelled their 1985 album Live Is Life to international success, leading to major label deals, including with Polydor, for distribution worldwide.
Key tracks
Live Is Life — This signature anthem defined Opus's career, becoming a stadium and sports arena staple globally.
Flyin' High — A key track from their Up and Down album, it showcased their polished studio rock sound post-breakthrough.
Whiteland — This later single demonstrated the band's ability to craft melodic rock ballads with atmospheric production.
Gimme Love — A driving rock track that highlighted the group's consistent energy and guitar-focused approach throughout the 1980s.
Following their peak international fame, Opus continued to record and perform steadily, releasing albums like Magical Touch in 1990 and Jubilee in 1998. The band experienced lineup changes over the decades, with Herwig Rüdisser remaining the constant frontman. Their music, particularly "Live Is Life", has been featured in numerous films, commercials, and sports broadcasts, cementing its status in pop culture. The work of Opus has influenced other Austrian acts, sharing musical ground with artists like Erste Allgemeine Verunsicherung in terms of national popularity and catchy songcraft. Their melodic rock approach also finds parallels in the music of Alphaville, another European act that mastered synth-rock anthems in the same era. For fans of driving, straightforward Austropop, Rainhard Fendrich offers a similar blend of rock and local musical sensibility.
The enduring legacy of Opus ensures their music, especially the timeless chant of "Live Is Life", maintains regular rotation on classic rock FM stations and 80s-focused online radio streams. Their hits are staples on formats celebrating European pop-rock history, from dedicated retro channels to general adult contemporary playlists.
You can hear the music of Opus on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover the Austrian band's catalog, from global anthems to deep cuts, through the various classic rock and pop-rock radio stations available on onairium.com.
