Eurovision 1987 - Austria - May 4th 2025

Hello all ! In today's edition of Eurovision Histories,  we're going back to the 80s again to look at 1987. Again, it was the time for massive perms, crazy eyeshadow looks but in the wider world we also had big storms and the start of what would become the Internet! 

The 32nd Eurovision Song Contest took place on May 9th, also known as Europe Day in Brussels, Belgium. Hosted by singer Viktor Lazlo, this contest saw the most participants to date at 22 entrants ! We'll be looking at the participation of Austria today and our first entry sung in German. 

Here are the facts before I get too far into my thoughts and a performance link in case you don't know this one or have forgotten it ! 

Song: Nur noch Gefüh
Artist: Gary Lux 
Place : 20th 
Points : 8 


I cannot find any information to indicate that Austria held a national final this year to select their song. However I do have info on our Artist at least. This was Gary's 4th time at Eurovision having previously represented Austria in 1983 as part of the band Westend and as a solo artist in 1985. He was also a backing vocalist for their 1984 entrant, Anita so 4 participations in 5 contests is quite a feat !! 

Austria was 3rd in the running order of the night between the songs from Israel amd Iceland. The song was conducted by Richard Oesterreicher, who was a jazz musician too. The song is a ballad, sung in German. The English translation of this song is Only Feelings. Gary sings of how he only wants feelings between him and his lover, how he won't feel empty as long as they have only feelings. 

It's a bit of a slow progression in contrast to his more uptempo efforts in previous contests. It starts a bit more triumphant before shifting into a bit more of a melancholic tone for the chorus . And then there's a sax solo ... to be fair, I do not knock one of those. And then comes the last part where Gary has quite a nasty voice crack when shifting up ... and a second one as well on the shift again. Spain 2017... who ? 

As stated, its a bit of a change of pace from his last entry which was very cute and happy. This isn't the most depressing song ever but it doesn't really go anywhere. Gary performed on stage with a pianist, saxophonist, what looks like a synthesiser and an electric guitarist. He had no backing vocals which may of been a bit of a downfall. He performed in a blue military style jacket and trousers with his mic stand. Also as I've watched this a few times to write this post ... he has a big forehead that I can't stop looking at !!! 

Austria only received 8 points for this entry, coming 3rd from last and only above the efforts from Turkey and Luxembourg. They received 7 points from Greece and 1 point from Italy. The Austrian Jury gave their douze points to contest winners Ireland. 

So let me sum this one up in 3 words then as is tradition. I'm going for pitchy, lackluster and forgettable. I like Gary Lux's other entries fine enough but ths one is definitely the worst one ... sorry ! 

Until the next time,  remember history is important especially if it's Eurovision History!!!! 

Ellie x 


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