Smart Import

The Comeback of the Smart 4

In the 1990s, they were a hallmark of the Linz pop music scene. Smart Import was known to many—not only in Linz but far beyond the country's borders. Inspired by the spirit of the Beatles, the quartet excelled with highly melodic rock and pop songs and multi-part harmonies. Especially live, Wolfgang Pfeiffer, Helmut and Johannes Schmidauer, and Peter Klinger impressed audiences and were in high demand on stages throughout Austria.

After three highly regarded CD productions, the chapter of Smart Import came to an end in 1998 with a concert at the Linz Posthof. Now, 28 years after their farewell concert, the band is returning to the scene in its original lineup. Matured by years and experience, driven by the desire and passion to make music together, and with new songs, the Smart 4 are bringing their "old band" back to life.

Not only musically is the spirit of yesterday evoked; Smart Import is also showcasing a whole new facet of their creative songwriting. While English was their means of expression in the past, they now sing in Upper Austrian dialect, giving the songs more authenticity and a fresh touch. Everything that has creatively built up over the decades is now expressed in an even more honest and direct way.

The new songs will be complemented by selected tracks from their repertoire in the new program. Additionally, there are plenty of stories to tell that illuminate both the past and the present. Thus, the comeback of Smart Import becomes an evening with a revue character, a journey through time for recognition and rediscovery. Handmade, honest, entertaining, and above all: genuinely human. - Reinhold Gruber

Line-up:
Peter Klinger: Drums, Vocals
Helmut Schmidauer: Bass, Vocals
Johannes Schmidauer: Keyboards, Vocals
Wolfgang Pfeiffer: Guitars, Vocals