Back in the late 60s, musicians from Budapest created their own group, which they called Neoton. The name was translated as "new tone", "new fashion". Then it was transformed into Neoton Família. Which received a new meaning "Newton's Family" or "Neoton's Family".
In any case, the name hinted that the group was not random people gathered to perform music. A real family that has common interests and supports each other. It was almost always like that.
Founding of the Neoton Família group
As you know, the founders of the Hungarian group were students of the University of Budapest Laszlo Pastor and Lajos Galats. Five young musicians were supposed to perform together on Santa Claus Day at the celebration. They were very pleased with the reception of the public.
And, although the composition of the team changed from time to time, the backbone remained and composed good music. Most of the group were modest young people, behaved on stage with restraint. It is December 4 that has since been officially considered the birthday of the band itself.
It is not surprising that the group that composed such beautiful music appeared in Hungary. This European country is very musical, Hungarians have a love for music in their blood. In addition, their songs are distinguished by a very harmonious sound, interesting finds in the compositions.
The group existed throughout the 1965-1990s. It was the most famous team in Hungary, which, like few in the countries of Eastern Europe, gained worldwide recognition. Their singles and records were released not only in the socialist powers, but also in such countries as Germany, Mexico, Cuba, Canada and Japan. They were proud of in their country and they are still remembered.
First appearance
For the first time, the audience heard them on the TV show “Ki mit tud?”. Then, in 1970, a debut album appeared with an interesting title, Stupid City, which became popular in the Soviet space as well. However, unfortunately, a year later, the group began to disintegrate. Something needed to be changed.
For this, a joint tour was organized in many countries. They also performed together with the famous Italo-Ethiopian singer Lara Saint Paul, a participant in the Sanremo Music Festival.
Not only guys and not in jazz
In 1977, the head of the Pepita label, Peter Erdős, who believed that the time had come to promote domestic groups, the guys caught the eye. As a result, a decision was made to make stars of the first magnitude out of them. He appreciated in them modesty, not inherent in rock stars.
At that time, the team collaborated with the girl trio Kocbabak, which translated as "Shaggy Dolls". Neoton & Kocbabak began to perform together from time to time, and it turned out great for them. It was also valuable that the members of both groups had a musical education. Many had composing abilities and composed music well. The group chose pop-rock as their style.
Appreciated at home
On New Year's Eve, the joint album "Menedékház" took third place in the national hit parade. So, they are finally noticed at home, they even began to provide additional financial support from the state.
Further, the group continues to search for their individual style. The next album, Csak a zene, contained mostly rock-psychedelic melodies rather than disc melodies. Interestingly, it was here that Pastor's wife, Emesh Hatvani, joined the group. Most of the subsequent compositions were recorded with her participation. She also wrote lyrics.
Successes of Neoton Família abroad
The prestigious Metronom festival showed that their songs are worth something: with the composition "Hivlak" the group takes 3rd place. In addition, the romantic "Vandorenek" should not be ignored, it was remembered by the fans.
It was necessary to promote their music abroad. Realizing this, the group releases a novelty. So "Neoton disco" (1978) is released in English version. It was there that cover versions of already well-known tunes appeared.
The general style of the album was not something monotonous, it was a mixture of rock, disco and funk with a touch of psychedelia. Erdős used his connections and was able to get CBS interested in this album. The company showed the world "Neoton Disco" in a limited edition in 5 countries of Western Europe: Holland and Italy inclusive.
New people and new times
It was during this period that Lajos Galati disappeared from the creative collection, and bass guitarist Barach appeared in his place. Then already in 1979, a difficult year for the band, a disco-style album called "Napraforgo" was created. He gives crazy success in Europe and Asia, gets into all possible charts.
In the Soviet Union, the famous Melodiya company decides to release the Neoton disc. In tandem, Pastor - Yakab - Khatvani creates more and more works that are successful with the public. The best rock venues were at the service of the group, they were helped by the state.
Loss of female vocalists
Around this time, the band had to part ways with lead vocalist Yva Fabian. She did not meet the standards of modern performance and looked rather dull on stage. Later, Yva Pal disappeared from the group.
She did not suit Peter Erdős with the independence and seductiveness of her image. However, two backing vocalists also appeared in the "family": Erzsebet Lukacs and Janula Stefanidu. In this composition, the team went on a world tour, advertising the seventh album called "VII".
The band composed the soundtrack for "Yesterday" ("Gabrielle", 1981). The plot is based on the story of a soldier who returned from the Vietnam War. The music became very popular in Canada and Hungary, Portugal and France.
Album "A family" considered the best in the work of the group. He came out in 1981. Singles from it were sold all over the world, making the group more famous. In addition, the composition "Kétszázhúsz felett" became the undisputed hit of the album.
Crisis in the Neoton Família group
Later, due to the crisis, interest in disco music in general began to decline. Despite the beautiful name, everything was not so cloudless in the team, there were quarrels and conflicts. There were disputes over who and what will perform, the refusal to compose a song for the Olympics.
Then Laszlo Pastor and Gyula Bardoci announced their departure from the team. It is not known how it would all end, however, the death of Peter Erdős in 1990 largely completed the disintegration, splitting the “family” into two clans.
Interesting facts about musicians
- Since their heyday, since 1979, the group has sold over 5 million records of their singles;
- Neoton Família chose pop and disco, funk and rock as the main direction of music;
- Among the most popular songs are "Vandorenek" 1976, "Santa Maria", "Marathon" 1980, "Don Quijote" and others.
- The single "Santa Maria" sold over 6 million.
- Interestingly, after the release of the album "Szerencsejáték", the group began to be called the "Hungarian ABBA". Indeed, the style and some general musical trends of the groups were similar.
- As you know, the group is considered popular if the discs get platinum or gold status. For the team, this happened regularly from 1979 to 1986. The group was the national bestseller.
- Only in one Japan the group has given more than 40 concerts.
