Pupo, Joy, Bad Boys Blue

Star Festival in Daugavpils. Pupo, 'Bad Boys Blue' and 'Joy'

On July 26th, Daugavpils will become the epicenter of an unforgettable musical event – the festival 'Summer Dance in Daugavpils'! This day will bring a sea of emotions, legendary music, and a charge of great mood. The stars of the festival, Pupo, 'Bad Boys Blue,' and 'Joy' will ensure that.

Legendary artists who have won the hearts of millions will perform on the main stage of the festival – the romantic Italian star Pupo, the cult band of the 80s 'Bad Boys Blue,' and the legendary band 'Joy.' Their performances will allow you to feel the magical atmosphere of the music that once played in every home and made whole generations dance!

Pupo – Italy's Most Romantic Star

Enzo Ghinazzi, known worldwide by the pseudonym Pupo, was born in Tuscany. His father worked as a postman, and his mother was a housewife. Enzo's parents loved to sing, but they didn't want their son to pursue a singing career, considering it unstable. However, Enzo, much to the delight of his fans, dedicated his life to music.

His singing career began in 1975. The first album 'How Beautiful You Are' ('Come sei bella') was released in 1976. He achieved great success in 1978 with the song 'Hello' ('Ciao'), and later with the legendary 'Chocolate Ice Cream' ('Gelato al cioccolato'), written by Cristiano Malgioglio.

All of Pupo's works are associated with the Sanremo Festival. In 1980, he won 3rd place at the festival with the song 'About Us' ('Su di noi'), which became one of his most famous and gained worldwide popularity. In September 1981, Pupo won the Golden Gondola award at the Venice Festival – his song 'Only Thanks to You' ('Lo devo solo a te') became the highlight of the event.

In 2009, he participated again in the Sanremo Festival with the song 'L'opportunità,' but Pupo achieved the greatest success at Sanremo 2010, performing with Emanuele Filiberto and Luca Canonici. The trio presented the song 'Italia amore mio' and took second place, surpassing Marco Mengoni, who was considered a favorite before the festival.

In 2018, Pupo's discography was enriched with a new album 'Porn Against Love.' Despite its provocative title, the collection of songs lacks vulgarity or obscenity.

Thanks to his phenomenal popularity in his homeland, Pupo became the face and voice of Italian radio and television. Since 2005, he has hosted several of the most popular shows on Italy's Channel 1 'Rai Uno.'

In 2016, he opened his own ice cream parlor chain, named after one of his songs 'Gelato al cioccolato' ('Chocolate Ice Cream'). The chain is managed by one of his daughters, Valentina. Pupo has been happily married to his wife Anna for over 50 years. He is the father of three daughters, with two grandsons and a granddaughter.

Pupo is not only the author of his own songs, but he also writes for other artists, including the group 'Ricchi e Poveri.' Many of Pupo's songs have been translated into German, French, English, and Spanish. They have become a symbol of Italian pop music and continue to play on radio stations and in discos worldwide. His work combines romance, melody, and heartfelt emotions, conquering the whole world and becoming the gold standard of Italian pop music.

'Bad Boys Blue' – Kings of World Discos

They have conquered dozens of European and world charts, and their hits such as 'You're a Woman,' 'Pretty Young Girl,' and 'I Wanna Hear Your Heartbeat' remain popular and beloved by millions of fans.

In Europe, the heyday of Eurodisco came in Germany. It was in this country that bands like 'Boney M' and 'Modern Talking' and the equally popular trio 'Bad Boys Blue' emerged.

The famous German producers and composers Tony Hendrik and Karin Hartmann had been successfully collaborating for several years, releasing songs in their independent studio 'Coconut Records,' when they came up with the idea of creating a boy band. A piece called 'L.O.V.E. In My Car' was already written for the new project. Of course, a love song needed a vocalist.

Hendrik and Hartmann's friends suggested that this song should be performed by American Andrew Thomas. He, in turn, introduced the producers to Jamaican Trevor Taylor, who brought Englishman John McInerney into the group. This chain of handshakes helped form the final lineup of 'Bad Boys Blue,' which became famous worldwide.

The group's debut single was released in 1984, but it did not meet the producers' expectations. Tony and Karin realized that something needed to change radically. The producers decided to change the lead vocalist. Now it was Trevor Taylor. Being a colorful baritone, Taylor easily captivated the audience with his performance, so the final decision on the choice of vocalist was made in his favor.

Real success came when Trevor recorded his voice for the song 'You're a Woman.'

The second 'Bad Boys Blue' single proved to be dozens of times more successful than the first – the song became a hit in Europe, quickly conquering the top positions of the main charts, and then rapidly gained popularity worldwide, including behind the Iron Curtain in Eastern Bloc countries and the USSR.

The second studio album 'Heartbeat' also included a series of international hits. Among them were Eurodisco love songs 'I Wanna Hear Your Heartbeat (Sunday Girl)' and 'Kisses And Tears (My One And Only).' To achieve new goals – developing and strengthening the group's popularity globally, the producers decided to change the lead vocalist. Now it was John McInerney's turn. His unique and original vocals became the group's trademark after the world heard the single 'Come Back And Stay.'

The group has released a total of 18 albums, about thirty singles that have entered the charts of many countries worldwide. The 16th studio album 'Tears Turning To Ice,' released on October 23, 2020, by the label 'Bros Music,' owned by the major record company 'Sony Music Entertainment,' caused the greatest popularity.

'Bad Boys Blue' success was largely determined by the combination of catchy melodies, emotional lyrics, and charismatic vocals. The group created a formula that fit perfectly into the heyday of Eurodisco. Their songs addressed universal themes of love, passion, and hope, making them close to listeners around the world.

The story of 'Bad Boys Blue' is an example of how a passion for music, perseverance, and charisma can create success that becomes part of the world's cultural heritage.

A Symbol of the Era – the Band 'Joy'

'Joy' unforgettable melodies and catchy song lyrics became a symbol of the 80s, and their music is still loved by millions of fans worldwide.

The band 'Joy' was founded in 1984 in a small Austrian town called Bad Aussee. Its members were Freddy Jaklitsch, Manfred Temmel, and Andy Schweitzer. All three were united not only by their love for music but were also friends, which became an important factor in their collaborative work.

The members' musical preferences ranged from classic rock to the emerging Eurodisco genre. In the end, they decided to focus on creating dance pop music with melodic synthesizer arrangements.

In 1985, 'Joy' recorded their debut song 'Lost in Hong Kong,' but their real breakthrough was the single 'Touch by Touch,' released the same year. This song immediately captivated listeners, becoming a hit in dozens of countries, including Germany, Austria, and Italy.

'Touch by Touch' combined a dynamic rhythm, romantic lyrics, and a unique melody that remained memorable for a long time. The song's success brought 'Joy' to the international stage, making them one of the most recognizable bands.

The unique style of 'Joy' was based on the combination of Freddy Jaklitsch's emotional vocals, catchy melodies, and danceable rhythms.

This was followed by the release of their first album 'Hello,' which included new world hits 'Valerie' and 'Hello, Mrs. Johnson.' The album received excellent reviews from critics and achieved commercial success, strengthening the group's reputation.

In the early 2000s, 'Joy' experienced a revival. With a new wave of interest in 80s music, the band continued to release new singles and go on tours.

'Joy' is not just a band but a cultural phenomenon that became a symbol of the golden era of the 80s. Their music unites generations. Their songs, such as 'Touch by Touch' and 'Valerie,' are considered Eurodisco classics and are included in playlists of radio stations and discos worldwide.

'Joy' songs will forever remain in the hearts of those who appreciate music that can bring joy, inspiration, and true emotions!

A Festival Not to Be Missed

The festival 'Summer Dance in Daugavpils' is not just an opportunity to hear legendary melodies but also a unique chance to recharge with positive emotions, enjoy live performances of favorite songs, and dance to legendary hits to your heart's content.

The event's organizers have prepared many surprises for the guests. The festival area will be set up in a bright summer holiday mood. In addition to the musical program, visitors can expect various relaxation zones, delicious food and drinks, and photo areas to capture the brightest moments.

Daugavpils is waiting for the festival and its guests! You will not only enjoy the concert but also discover the city's unique beauty, atmosphere, and Latgalian hospitality. The festival venue is Daugavpils Lokomotīve Stadium with convenient parking and modern infrastructure.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible event! On July 26th, Daugavpils invites every lover of music, dance, and unforgettable summer evenings. Come with friends and family to make this day truly special together!