Gottfried “Friedl” Würcher suffered a heart attack in 2021. In an interview, he reveals how his life has changed since then.
In July 2021, Nockis fans worried about frontman Gottfried “Friedl” Würcher (63): The Austrian singer suffered a heart attack and reported from the hospital. At the end of September, the 63-year-old returned to the stage after rehabilitation. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Friedl Würcher reveals that he is now doing “very well” again. He had “learned that health is the greatest happiness”. He also talks about the new Nockis album “I want you”, which will be released on Friday (January 21), as well as the 40th stage anniversary of the Austrian pop band.
Her new album is titled “I Want You”. What personal stories are behind the songs?
Gottfried “Friedl” Würcher: As a singer, I’m “only” the narrator of the story. But I can well understand that many people wish to get to know love for life. Some have it – I think that’s one of the happiest feelings one can wish for.
Love plays a central role in the songs. How important is love to you in your own life?
Würcher: Especially in times like these, it is important to feel love, but also to have people by your side who you can trust blindly. I personally have learned that health is the greatest happiness.
In 2021 you suffered a stroke of fate: a heart attack. How are you today? Have you had to take better care of yourself since then?
Würcher: Thank you, I’m fine again. I had completely changed my life many years ago. Conscious nutrition, a lot of sport, no alcohol, no cigarettes… The heart attack came anyway. Actually surprising and ultimately genetic. What I have changed is that I go to check-ups more often and take time off more often than before.
From September you will be celebrating your 40th stage anniversary. What are you planning for the festival?
Würcher: From September 16th to 18th, 2022 we will again be celebrating Carinthia’s most legendary hit party, the NOCKISFEST, in our home town of Millstatt. Our guests include Die Amigos, Bernhard Brink and Die Juzis. The NOCKISFEST will also be the start of our 40th stage anniversary.
How do you remember your beginnings and eventually your breakthrough?
Würcher: We jumped in at the deep end 40 years ago, gave up our jobs and put everything on one card. It started in Switzerland, where there were many places with live music: 14-day engagements, five to six hours a day on stage and often for twenty guests. That was tough – but we knew it was going to be difficult. The breakthrough came with the change to Schlager. With songs like “3 Finger aufs Herz” or “Never play with fire” we had more media attention and thus also concerts that led us to Germany.
There have certainly been low points over the years. What were they and how did you overcome them?
Würcher: We have up to 250 performances a year and were rarely at home with our families. That was tough and of course not always free of conflicts.
Which highlights do you particularly like to look back on?
Würcher: The first highlight was winning the ZDF super hit parade on November 30, 1989 with “Never play with fire”, then winning the Grand Prix of Folk Music in 2002 with “There on Cloud 7” and finally winning the most important Austrian song Music Prize “Amadeus” in 2018 as the most successful interpreter of hits/folk music.
They are Austria’s most successful Schlager band. Are you proud of this title? How important is success to you after so many years?
Würcher: We are proud that we have been able to be successful for so long, which we ultimately owe to our loyal audience. You have carried us through all the years and that is not to be taken for granted!
Have you ever thought about quitting?
Würcher: Of course these thoughts come. Music was and is my life and is also good for me. So as long as there’s an audience that wants to hear our music and I’m fine with it, I want to be on stage.
What are you particularly looking forward to in your anniversary year?
Würcher: Being able to look back on 40 mostly wonderful years with your head held high and still be a part of the big hit family.
Source From: Stern
I am a 24-year-old writer and journalist who has been working in the news industry for the past two years. I write primarily about market news, so if you’re looking for insights into what’s going on in the stock market or economic indicators, you’ve come to the right place. I also dabble in writing articles on lifestyle trends and pop culture news.
