Replacing David Koller in the band is not easy because of his specific voice. Did you see it as a problem?
Dvořák: They didn’t notice, because there is one essential thing. We weren’t looking for a replacement for David Koller, we were looking for a band mate, a new member. We all know that David had a very distinctive voice that is basically irreplaceable. So we didn’t want any copy, we wanted the original.
Kodym: We wanted a new ingredient in the band, a new chemistry. This was done and I’m glad it works.
Did you ever think you would end up as a band after David Koller left?
PB CH.: We never dreamed of that.
Dvořák: On the contrary, we immediately started looking for someone to complement one of our singers, Robert, who essentially sings half of the repertoire, i.e. half of the concert.
Dvořák: Yes, Viktor Dyk was not the first choice, we considered more candidates. For example, we thought of Michal Penk, the first ever singer of Lucie. We also thought about those who worked with us on other projects. We changed the favorite several times, but in the end Viktor won, so to speak, across the board. There are many historical parallels between him and us, but above all he is an excellent singer.
Kodym: At one point, we took last year’s results of the Český slavík poll and went through them with the first hundred names in the singer category. It was interesting. Try it too, go through them and add them to your band Lucie.
Which of you called Viktor Dyk?
Kodym: We all called him at once.
Dyk: If I were at the main station at that moment, I would probably look for a hidden camera right around me. It seemed so improbable to me. But I was at home. After a while I asked again to make sure if the boys were joking and they seriously told me they weren’t.
That phone call took place at a time when I wanted to quit after many years on the concert scene and devote myself to producing and composing songs. But this was an offer that could not be refused. And the funny thing was that during that call the guys didn’t even ask me if I wanted to sing with them.
Photo: Michal Krumphanzl, CTK
The Lucie group has big plans
You have known Viktor since the first half of the nineties, when he was a member of the prominent rock band Dorota BB. In 1997, however, he quit the band. Have you followed his career further?
Kodym: I did, I had a continuous overview of what he was doing. In 1994, when Lucie Černý’s seminal album, wet cats, was released, the same record label also released an album by Dorota BB Santa Puelo.
I then played a large part of the tour for our album in a black t-shirt with a large inscription Dorota BB and her beautiful symbol in the shape of a diamond. The symbiosis is also in the fact that Lucie also has her sign in the shape of a diamond.
You are the same age, you must have listened to the same rock bands too…
PB CH.: That’s right, and that generational harmony was also manifested later. It happened to me that I didn’t see Viktor for ten years, but when we met, we never stopped talking, we always had something to talk about, and I felt like I had known him all my life. I think that there are no coincidences and that he became a member of Lucia was simply meant to happen.
Dvořák: Musicians know these things best when they start playing together. Our veteran drummer is Štěpán Smetáček, who already performed with us in the nineties. When we all got together in the studio, put on our headphones and started playing, it felt like we’d always been playing together. You can’t invent this, you can’t even buy it. Fortunately, it happened to us and we have it.
Does Viktor have the same voice in the band as the other three of you?
Dvořák: We don’t deal with that at all. We are reasonable people and I believe that we will agree on everything. We will always lean towards the opinion that will be best for the band.
When will you release a new song?
Dvořák: We have already prepared our first joint recording. It will premiere in a TV show next week. It’s not a new song, it’s our first record together.
You also announced the release of a new album. How far along are you with him?
PB CH.: We have fifteen to twenty songs in the works. We will probably release singles first and sometime around the upcoming anniversary tour next fall we would like to release a new record. Her working title is JOY
Dyk: It’s going great. I’m glad that I can also realize myself as an author in the band. I am equally pleased that the author and musician chemistry works between us.
You mentioned the autumn concerts with which you will celebrate forty years of existence. What can you say about them?
Dvořák: We always tried to make our performances interesting not only musically, but also visually. We want to build on that. Director Tomáš Mašín and I talked about introducing some technical and visual novelties.
Kodym: Guests of some concerts will be Petr Janda, Michael Kocáb or Michal Pavlíček. We will also invite other people who have done something or collaborated with us during those forty years. We just don’t have them confirmed yet. We will of course also invite David Koller.
In Lucia, Viktor Dyk will sing instead of Koller. Drums Štěpán Smetáček
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Fans nostalgically reminisced during Lucia’s last concert with Koller
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Welcome, ladies and gentlemen! Grab your mics, your guitars, and your best questionable impressions of David Koller—because we’re diving headfirst into the raucous world of band dynamics, vocal gymnastics, and the unmistakable scent of nostalgia!
So, the article brings us the juicy gossip about the legendary band Lucie, which is currently navigating the turbulent waters of replacing their iconic front-man, David Koller. It’s like trying to replace the lead in your favorite musical—sure, anyone can wear the tights, but can they belt out those show-stopping high notes? Talk about a tall order!
Dvořák steps in, cool as a cucumber, and declares they weren’t looking for a mere replacement, but rather a new bandmate. I’d say that’s a bold strategy! Imagine a dating app where instead of ‘swipe right for love,’ it’s ‘swipe right to replace your lead vocalist!’ Swipe for originality! Swipe for *no* pressure! Let’s be honest though, replacing a voice that’s ‘irreplaceable’ is like trying to find a vegan at a steakhouse. Quite the task!
Kodym had his chemistry professor hat on when he said they sought a “new ingredient.” And I must say, I’m thrilled they didn’t look for a carbon copy of Koller, or we’d be diving into some karaoke nightmare, singing “Because you’re worth it” with some impersonator trying to hit those high notes. Nobody wants to hear “Sweet Caroline” sung off-key—unless it’s at a drunken wedding, but that’s a different laughter issue!
Now, PB CH. chimed in, playing devil’s advocate—because everyone loves a little skepticism—and remarked that they never dreamed of staying a band after Koller’s departure. I mean, isn’t that a typical band breakup story? “We’re definitely done, forever!” The next thing you know, they’re getting back together, making the headlines like a low-budget rom-com: “Band Gets Back Together in a Plot Twist No One Saw Coming.”
And speaking of plot twists, when the band decided that Viktor Dyk was their guy, it sounded a bit like they were casting for a movie. So, what did they do? They thumbed through last year’s Český slavík results like a group of teenagers picking out their next favorite pop star while playing “the hot or not” game! I’d love to see the text exchanges—“What do you think about adding a candle to the mix? Oh wait! There’s Viktor!” 🎤🔥
Dyk reminiscing about how he initially thought the guys were pulling his leg is both funny and relatable. Picture it: a classic sitcom scenario, where every phone call starts sounding suspicious—you expect the punchline to be him actually getting pranked. There’s a hidden camera show waiting to happen! “Surprise! You’re in a band!”
And let’s not forget Dyk’s hilarious desire to quit the stage to focus on producing. Ah, the classic musician’s dilemma! It’s like going through a mid-life crisis while deciding between a roadster and a retirement plan. But then again, when you’re given an irresistible offer, who could say no? It’s not like they asked if he wanted to sing—they simply put the mic in his hand and said, “Get out there, and sing like no one’s watching! Except for millions of fans!”
Plans are brewing! Fifteen to twenty songs in progress, with the working title of the new album cleverly named “JOY.” I love a group that knows how to brand themselves. “Come see us, it’ll be a blast! Bring your best smile, and we promise you’ll forget about your last terrible breakup… at least for a solid hour or two!”
As we wrap this up, let’s give a round of applause for the legends of Lucie who’ve shown us that in the world of music, nothing’s ever quite as clear-cut as a straightforward cast change. They are proving that it’s not just about hitting those high notes, but about launching into new adventures—like a bunch of renegade musicians high on nostalgia and a sprinkle of good humor!
Check back next time for more of this delightful chaos! Remember, if a band can survive a lead singer change, you can survive the chaotic relationships in your life. Now, where’s my guitar?
Replacing David Koller within the band presents a formidable challenge due to his unmistakable vocal style, which has left fans wondering: was this ever perceived as a potential issue?
Dvořák: From our perspective, it wasn’t seen as a problem because our aim was clear. Instead of seeking a mere substitute for David Koller, we embarked on a quest for a true bandmate—someone who could bring something fresh to our group dynamic. David’s one-of-a-kind voice is something we all recognize as irreplaceable. Therefore, our goal was not to find a duplicate but to welcome an authentic addition to our collective sound.
Kodym: Our vision was to introduce a new element to the band, a fresh chemistry that breathes new life into our music. I’m genuinely pleased with how well this vision has materialized.
Dvořák: Contrary to any assumptions, our immediate focus was to find someone who could complement Robert, our vocalist, who carries a significant share of our setlist, performing nearly half of our live shows.
Dvořák: Viktor Dyk wasn’t our initial choice; we weighed several different candidates before deciding. For instance, we considered Michal Penk, Lucie’s very first singer, along with others who had collaborated with us on different projects over the years. Throughout our deliberation, our preferences shifted, but ultimately, Viktor emerged as the ideal candidate. Our histories resonate on many levels, and above all, his exceptional singing talent stood out.
Kodym: To find the right person, we examined the results from last year’s Český slavík poll, scanning through the top one hundred names in the singer category. It proved to be an intriguing exercise; I encourage others to do the same and imagine enhancing their band with such talents.
Dyk: If I were in a public place at that moment, I might have wondered if I was on a hidden camera show. The proposal felt incredibly surreal to me. However, I was at home when I received the call. Initially, I couldn’t help but double-check if the bandmates were serious or just joking, and they assured me they were completely earnest.
That fateful phone call arrived during a time when I was contemplating stepping back from performing after many years on stage, intending to focus on producing and songwriting. However, this offer from Lucie was simply too enticing to turn down. Ironically, during our conversation, the guys didn’t even ask me outright if I was interested in joining them to sing.
Kodym: I did stay connected with Viktor’s career after he left Dorota BB in 1997. There has always been a shared history between us, like when Lucie released our iconic album, “wet cats,” in 1994, which coincided with the release of Dorota BB’s album “Santa Puelo.” I remember donning a black t-shirt emblazoned with “Dorota BB,” complete with their signature diamond-shaped logo, during our tour. Interestingly, Lucie’s emblem also has a diamond motif.
PB CH.: That’s completely true. The generational harmony between us has always resonated. I once went a decade without seeing Viktor, but upon reuniting, we immediately fell back into conversation as if no time had passed. It felt like our paths were always meant to converge, affirming that his place in Lucie was indeed destined.
Dvořák: Musicians often recognize that special synergy when they play together. Our seasoned drummer, Štěpán Smetáček, who was with us since the nineties, adds to this connection. When we gathered in the studio, donning our headphones and starting to play, it felt as though we had been performing together forever. It’s an organic chemistry that isn’t easily manufactured or bought.
Dvořák: We do not concern ourselves with whether Viktor mirrors David’s vocal style. We’re all pragmatic individuals here, and I am confident that we will come to a consensus that serves the best interests of the band.
Dvořák: We have already laid down our first collaborative recording, which is set to premiere on a television program next week. Notably, this is not a new song but rather our very first record together as a united group.
PB CH.: We currently have between fifteen to twenty songs in various stages of development. Our strategy is likely to focus on releasing singles before our anniversary tour next fall when we aim to unveil our new album, intriguingly titled JOY.
Dyk: The creative process has been extremely rewarding. I’m thrilled to be able to express myself both as a songwriter and as a performer within the band. The musical chemistry we’ve established has been amazing.
Dvořák: For our upcoming autumn concerts celebrating forty years of existence, we have always strived to deliver performances that captivate not only through music but also visually. Together with director Tomáš Mašín, we’ve discussed incorporating innovative technical and visual enhancements.
Kodym: We’re excited to announce that some concerts will feature special guests like Petr Janda, Michael Kocáb, and Michal Pavlíček. We’re also looking to bring in other artists with whom we’ve collaborated over these forty years. While we haven’t secured all confirmations yet, we certainly plan to invite David Koller as well.
In Lucie, Viktor Dyk now takes center stage, filling the void left by Koller, while drums are played by Štěpán Smetáček.
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Fans fondly recalled their memories during Lucie’s most recent concert featuring Koller.
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Interview with the Members of Lucie : Navigating New Ventures After David Koller
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today! It’s great to have Dvořák, Kodym, and the newest member, Viktor Dyk, here. Let’s dive right in. Replacing David Koller must have been a huge concern for you. How did you approach the search for a new member?
Dvořák: It’s great to be here! The thing is, we weren’t really looking for a replacement for David. We wanted to find a true bandmate, someone who could bring a fresh dynamic to our music. David’s voice is irreplaceable, so our goal was never to find someone who could mimic him.
Kodym: Exactly! Our focus was on introducing a new chemical reaction into the band. I’m really happy with how it all turned out.
Interviewer: Were you ever apprehensive about continuing as a band after Koller left?
PB CH.: Honestly, we never expected that we’d still be together after his departure.
Dvořák: On the contrary, we jumped right into finding someone to complement Robert, our other vocalist. He performs a hefty portion of our concert repertoire.
Interviewer: Viktor, how did you first hear about this opportunity?
Dyk: Well, it was surprising! I was at home when they called me. At first, I thought they might be joking. I mean, I was ready to step away from performing to focus on producing—then suddenly this amazing offer came up! They didn’t even ask me if I wanted to sing; it felt like they were just putting the mic in my hand.
Interviewer: Sounds like you had to pinch yourself! Dvořák, how did you finally settle on Viktor as the right fit?
Dvořák: We explored several candidates, even considering our first singer, Michal Penk. We kept changing our favorites until ultimately, Viktor shone through. His history with us and his impressive talent made him the clear choice.
Kodym: We even combed through the results of last year’s Český slavík poll to find potential candidates—it was an interesting process!
Interviewer: How do you feel about the music dynamics now that you’ve formed a new lineup?
Dvořák: It felt completely natural from the start. When we gathered in the studio and began playing together, there was an instant connection. You can’t fabricate that chemistry.
Interviewer: It must be exciting to be working on new music! Can you share any details about that?
Dvořák: Absolutely! We’ve already prepared our first joint recording, which will premiere on a TV show next week. It’s not a new song, but it represents our initial collaboration.
Kodym: And we’re also hard at work on an upcoming album! We have about fifteen to twenty songs in various stages. The working title is “JOY,” and we plan to release some singles ahead of our anniversary tour next fall.
Interviewer: can fans expect any special surprises during the anniversary concerts?
Dvořák: Oh, definitely! We want to make the performances engaging both musically and visually. We’ve got some interesting collaborations planned, with guests like Petr Janda and Michal Kocáb joining us.
Kodym: And let’s not forget, David Koller will also be invited. It’s going to be a celebration of our journey together!
Interviewer: Thank you all for sharing your insights today! It’s clear that Lucie is heading into an exciting new chapter. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
Gether, it was as if we had always been performing side by side. That genuine chemistry can’t be manufactured; it’s something you either have or you don’t.
Interviewer: That’s wonderful to hear! What can fans expect from your upcoming projects?
PB CH.: We’ve been cooking up some exciting new music! Currently, we have about fifteen to twenty songs in various stages of development. Our plan is to roll out a series of singles leading up to the release of our new album next fall, tentatively titled “JOY.”
Interviewer: And how are the autumn concerts shaping up for your 40th anniversary?
Dvořák: We’re really aiming to make these performances not just musically satisfying but visually appealing as well. We’re collaborating with director Tomáš Mašín on some innovative elements to enhance the overall concert experience.
Kodym: We’re also thrilled to have some special guests joining us for select shows—people like Petr Janda and Michael Kocáb who have significantly influenced our journey. We may even manage to get David Koller back for a performance!
Interviewer: Sounds like an event not to be missed! Any final thoughts you’d like to share with your fans?
Dyk: We’re just incredibly grateful for the support and enthusiasm from our fans. It’s prompting us to push ourselves creatively and deliver music that resonates. We hope everyone joins us as we embark on this exciting new chapter together!
Interviewer: It’s been a pleasure having you all here. Can’t wait to see what’s next for Lucie!
