Edda Művek is a highly successful Hungarian rock band formed in 1973 initially under the name “Griff”. Undergoing a brief name change to Edda, the band finally settled for Edda Művek shortly thereafter. The name “Edda” was inspired by the Prose Edda of Norse Mythology while the word, “Művek” (works), is a symbolic reference to the band originally starting its career in the industrial city of Miskolc, also dubbed as the “Steel City”. According to frontman, Attila Pataky, “Művek” has also come to represent the band’s “labor intensive” work ethic and prolific approach to songwriting, recording and touring.

Edda’s catchy, melodic rock tunes and touching power ballads initially focused on social and emotional life of youth, love, anxiety and alienation. Themes later transitioned to issues dealing with sexuality, spirituality, cultural heritage, national identity, and in general, uncertainties and predicaments of contemporary Hungarian society amidst shifting political, social and economic landscapes . The band performs more than one hundred shows annually throughout Hungary and surrounding Hungarian communities in neighbouring countries. The energetic and inventive musicianship that EDDA are known for, is best reflected through live performances.

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Band history

Formation

The band was formed in 1973 in Miskolc by Jozsef Halász. Halász was attending university at the time the city organized a large-scale, local rock festival. Inspired by the event, Halász formed his own rock group, recruiting friends as musicians. Initially performing under the name Griff, the band months later switched to Edda (taken from the title of books of prose and poetry of Old Norse mythologies). With regular performances at the campus club of the University of Miskolc, Edda’s popularity grew. To achieve a positive crowd response, the band’s set lists also featured international pop hits.

Due to the pursuit of academic studies, members often left resulting in frequent lineup changes within the band; an ongoing trend that would continue throughout the 1980s and ’90s resulting in high turnover rate in membership. Lead vocalist, Zoltán Zsiga was replaced with Attila Fodor who was eventually succeeded by current band leader, Attila Pataky. Pataky was the only member whose intent to pursue music as a full-time career, aimed to vigorously elevate the band to a professional level. Jozsef Halász decided to relocate to the city of Zalaegerszeg, granting the rights to the name “Edda” to Pataky. Halász’s position on drums was temporarily filled by József Szepcsik who unexpectedly died from a severe illness in 1977 prompting Pataky to ask Halász to rejoin the group. Misfortune struck yet again as Halász, shortly after his return, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, eventually passing away in 1980.

1977 arrived and with the intent to shape Edda Művek into a prominent rock band, Pataky recruited accomplished musicians from around Miskolc, including a new song-writing partner and lead guitarist, Istvan Slamovits. They decided to conquer the Hungarian music scene, a feat that was extremely difficult for any musical act originating outside of Budapest during the 1970s.

The classic Edda

The band’s Budapest debut performance took place in 1979. The first show was a flop (with only 178 viewers), yet their popularity grew quickly across the country. The band recorded its first single (Minden Sarkon Álltam Már / Álom) in 1979, and the eponymous debut album: “Edda Művek 1.” the following year. The release is currently a certified diamond disc in Hungary, with more than 500,000 units sold. Many of the songs on the landmark debut also became popular hits. The success continued as the band made an appearance in the movie “Ballagás”, also featuring their own soundtrack. Edda Művek continued performing and composing new music, however tensions between members were escalating. Alfonz Barta left for Switzerland never to return and there were further replacements among musicians with bass guitarist and drummer positions changing. In 1983, continuing internal conflicts within the band, differences between Pataky and Slamovits led to the disbanding of Edda Művek. The group performed an emotionally charged farewell concert in Miskolc on December 17, 1983. The performance was recorded live and would ultimately become the band’s fourth and final release.

Forming a new band

After a two-year hiatus, Pataky decided to revive Edda Művek. He left for Norway with László Fortuna (the only other band member from the original Edda lineup), Péter Csomós, and Endre Csillag in 1984. The band performed clubs in the evening, and wrote new material during the day. In 1985, Pataky and Fortuna returned to Hungary and restarted Edda Művek with hired musicians from Budapest. The comeback performance, highly anticipated by fans, turned out to be a success. Similarly to the band’s final show, this comeback event was recorded and released as the band’s 5th album, with a track list featuring entirely new material recorded live. After additional lineup changes through the years following, Edda finally formed a stable roster in 1988. Engaging in a vigorous touring schedule the band played numerous venues and some unusual places that included a steel factory and correctional facilities. In 1991, Péter Kun replaced lead guitarist István Alapi who briefly left for Canada. Sadly, after only a brief period with the band, Kun died in a tragic motorcycle accident in 1993. The band held numerous memorial concerts to the many fans overcome with shock and grief over the passing of the young, talented guitarist. At the request of Pataky, István Alapi rejoined the band.

Nowadays

The last member change occurred in 1997 with drummer, Zoltán Hetényi replacing Tibor Donászy. In 1998 the band released their first English language album, “Fire and Rain”. Presently, the band releases original studio material every three to four years, while maintaining a busy tour schedule. The band regularly holds concert events commemorating significant turning points of its career such as the release of their classic, self-titled debut album in 1980 which earned national recognition and breakthrough for Edda Művek, establishing the band as a professional musical outfit. The special anniversary events organized by the band every five years therefore, commemorate 1980 as the band’s official start. Occasionally, past members of Edda’s classic line-up (1980-1984 era) also make guest appearances and perform alongside the band, an indication of Pataky’s reconciliation with old bandmates over the years.

Band members

Old Edda (1973–1978)

• Zoltán Zsiga (vocal) 1973
• István Darázs (vocal) 1973-1974
• Fodor Attila (vocal) 1974 (†2006)
• Attila Pataky (vocal) 1974-
• József Halász (drums) 1973-1977 (†1980)
• József Szepcsik (drums) 1977-1978 (†1978)
• Zoltán Ferenczi (guitar) 1973-1977
• Katalin Beély (bass guitar) 1973-1977
• Zoltán Fancsik (keyboards) 1974-1975

Classic Edda (1978–1983)

New Edda (1984–)

In 1985, Pataky and Fortuna were the only core members of Edda Művek with the other musicians being hired personnel. Following the success of the band’s reformation, Pataky decided on hiring professional, permanent members. For a brief period in 1987, Alapi and Csillag both performed together as guitarists. Shortly after Csillag decided to go to Austria.