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Gerhard “Gerry” Friedle, born on January 7, 1971, is a name that resonates in the world of Austrian pop and Schlager music. Under his stage name, DJ Ötzi, he has achieved widespread recognition and success primarily in German-speaking countries. Known for his infectious tunes and energetic performances, DJ Ötzi also made an impact in the English-speaking world with his rendition of the classic hit “Hey Baby (Uhh, Ahh).” His stage name is a nod to Ötzi the Iceman, the 5,300-year-old mummified man found in the Ötztal Alps of South Tyrol.
Early Life and Adversity
DJ Ötzi, originally named Gerhard Friedle, was born in St. Johann, Tirol, Austria, to Anton Friedle. His early life was marked by adversity as his mother, just 17 years old at the time, gave him up for adoption shortly after his birth. He was raised by foster parents and later by his paternal grandparents in the nearby village of Erpfendorf in Tirol.
As a young man, Ötzi faced health challenges, including epilepsy, which he battled with resilience. At the age of 16, he experienced homelessness and lived on the streets for a period. His path to success was far from straightforward, but his determination would eventually lead him to the spotlight.
Career
DJ Ötzi’s journey to stardom began with humble beginnings. He initially worked as a student cook, but destiny had a different plan for him. He was discovered at a karaoke competition, which became the turning point in his life. This discovery opened the doors to a career as an entertainer, DJ, and singer in discothèques across Austria. His talents also took him to popular tourist destinations such as Mallorca and Turkey.
Despite his early struggles, DJ Ötzi’s career gradually gained momentum. However, in 2002, before the birth of his daughter, he faced a significant challenge when he experienced a severe form of conductive hearing loss.
DJ Ötzi’s breakthrough came in 1999 with the release of the single “Anton aus Tirol.” The song became a massive hit in German-speaking countries, topping the charts in Austria and Germany, and achieving high rankings in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. It spent an astonishing 75 weeks on the Austrian charts, with ten of those weeks at number one. This single’s success paved the way for the release of the album “Das Album” in 2000, featuring “Anton (feat. DJ Ötzi).”
In July 2000, DJ Ötzi released a cover version of Bruce Channel’s 1962 classic “Hey Baby.”
This single became a sensation, reaching number one in several English-speaking countries, including Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. He continued his success with a cover version of “Do Wah Diddy.” In 2003, DJ Ötzi released the “Burger Dance,” a cover version of “A Ram Sam Sam,” which reached number one in Germany, number three in Austria, and number seven in Switzerland.
His musical achievements continued with the hit “Sieben Sünden” in 2006, a Volksmusik sensation that reached number two in Austria.
What was DJ Ötzi Cause of Death?
DJ Ötzi is not dead, he is still alive and currently at the age of 53.
