The musical legacy of Willi Resetarits, known as Dr. Kurt Ostbahn, continues through the Ostpartie, a tribute formation performing original arrangements of his work. According to Kulturzwickl Zwettl, the band will perform an open-air concert at the Zwettl ice rink on July 17, 2026, at 7:30 PM, featuring a full reproduction of the legendary album “A schene Leich.”
How is the Ostpartie preserving the “Ostbahn-Kurti” style?
The Ostpartie focuses on a “faithful” reproduction of the music created by Ostbahn-Kurti & die Chefpartie. According to the band’s promotional materials, they utilize the original five-person lineup structure that the Chefpartie maintained until 1988. This approach ensures that the specific dialect texts and classic rock ‘n’ roll sound remain intact.
The group doesn’t just play the music; they include the legendary introductions and “conferences” delivered by Dr. Kurt Ostbahn. The goal, as stated by the group, is to keep the music alive while honoring Resetarits’ unique social engagement.
Which hits and albums are featured in the live shows?
The upcoming Zwettl performance is noted for a specific rarity: the first set will play the album “A schene Leich” in its original sequence. Beyond the album set, the band performs a catalog of “Gassenhauer” (street hits) and cult songs.
Verified setlist staples include:
- Major Hits: “Feuer,” “I hea di klopfn,” “Radl nach Rio,” “Arbeit,” “Chili con Carne,” “Da Joker,” and “57er Chevy.”
- Cult Favorites: “Kilo,” “Ois hot sei End,” “Neiche Schoin,” “Nochtschicht,” and “Na, so wirst ned oid.”
What happened at the Vienna Central Cemetery performance?
In August 2025, the Ostpartie performed what they describe as the most extraordinary concert of their career at the “Nachklang” event at the Vienna Central Cemetery. The venue was significant because it is the final resting place of Willi Resetarits.
According to event reports, the band played for approximately 5,000 visitors. They headlined the hour-long finale of the evening, performing multiple encores. This included a collaboration with the “Jungen Tenören” for the cult song “Es lebe der Zentralfriedhof” by Wolfgang Ambros, as well as the hit “Feuer.”
Where has the Ostpartie performed recently?
Since forming one year after the passing of Willi Resetarits, the group has played several sold-out shows across Austria. Their track record includes venues such as the Spinnerei Traun, the Waldviertler Kammerbühne, and the Stadtsaal Zwettl. Other notable appearances include Gastern, the Szene Wien, and two shows at the Vindobona.
Comparison: Traditional Concerts vs. The “Nachklang” Event
| Feature | Standard Venue (e.g., Stadtsaal) | Vienna Central Cemetery |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Traditional concert hall | Memorial/Open-air cemetery |
| Audience Size | Capacity-based (Sold out) | ~5,000 attendees |
| Special Guests | Standard band lineup | Collaborated with Jungen Tenören |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Ostpartie performing in Zwettl?
The concert is scheduled for July 17, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Zwettl ice rink.
What makes the 2026 Zwettl show unique?
The band will perform the album “A schene Leich” in its original sequence and original five-person instrumentation.
Who was Willi Resetarits?
He was the artist behind the persona Dr. Kurt Ostbahn, known for his influential music and significant social engagement in Austria.
Experience the Legacy of Ostbahn-Kurti
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