My Sunday Song – “Lift You Up” by Gotthard

For My Sunday Song #427, we are going all the way to Switzerland and talk about the song “Lift You Up” by Gotthard. The song is off their album ‘Lipservice’ which came out on June 5, 2005. The album went to #1 in Switzerland and charted in a handful of other countries. I think they are the highest selling band to come out of Switzerland surpassing Krokus. I hope I’m not wrong in that fact. It was a single and they even did a video which you can see below. If you didn’t know, the band consists of the amazing singer, the late Steve Lee, guitarists Leo Leoni, bassist Marc Lynn, drummer Hena Habegger and guitarist Freddy Scherer.

The song was written by a slew of people including Anders Wikstroem, Fredrik Thomander, Heinz Habegger, Markus Probst, Mary Susan Applegate, Leo Leoni and Steve Lee. It took all these people to tell you that you are part of a greater plan and that there happiness is key to everything. The singer wants to put a smile on your face and no matter how bad it gets, there is something good around the corner. There is a plan for it all. It is uplifting, it is motivational and it is so damn fun.

When you hear this song, it will take you back to the rock anthems of the 80’s a la Bon Jovi or Def Leppard. The drum beat is uplifting in its military, marching style beat. The music is as uplifting as the lyrics and Leo’s guitar riffs and little solo breaks are killer. The rhythm section is spot on and the driving force behind the song. Steve Lee’s vocals are beyond description. The man could sing the phone book and I would listen. Such a shame on his early passing as we lost a vocal treasure with him. If you need a boost in your day…throw this song on.

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Gotthard / Steve Lee – Artist Profile

Gotthard is a rock band out of Switzerland and sadly never got much, if any, airplay here in the states. This is another band I was introduced to thanks to the website Melodicrock.com.  I don’t think I would have ever heard of them otherwise, and I would have missed out on a great band.

The band was started back in the early 90’s and they have gone on to be one of the top selling bands in Switzerland. I believe at one time, the top selling was a little known band named Krokus.  Who doesn’t love Krokus.

Gotthard Lee 2010

The moving force behind Gotthard was the lead singer Steve Lee.  He had such an amazing voice and he could rock out or sing a heartfelt ballad.  He had a little raspiness in his voice and his vocals brought so much passion and life to these songs it gave you an instant connection to them.

Sadly, in October 2010, Steve Lee was killed in a freak accident when he was on a motorcycle tour in the U.S.  I still remember when I heard the news and I can say I was truly upset.  I spent the next few days listening to their albums non-stop.

The band has gone on to replace Steve with a new lead singer, but it is not the same.  The band I am writing about here is specifically the era of Steve Lee.

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