Wolfgang Heichel, Frontman of “Dschinghis Khan,” Dies at 75

Wolfgang Heichel, frontman and co-founder of the legendary German band Чингисхан, has passed away at the age of 75.

Heichel rose to fame in the late 1970s when the group stormed European charts with the hit “Moskau.” The song gained international attention after the band represented Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1979, quickly becoming a global disco phenomenon. Flashy costumes, theatrical performances, and a catchy chorus turned the track into a cult classic from Europe to Japan.

In the USSR, “Moskau” took on a life of its own. It was widely played at discos, while unofficial and often provocative alternative lyrics spread through tapes and word of mouth, becoming part of the era’s musical folklore.

After the original lineup disbanded, Heichel revived the band’s name multiple times, toured in nostalgia-driven concerts during the 2000s, and kept the spirit of 70s–80s Eurodisco alive.

With his passing, another chapter of the bold and colorful Eurodisco era comes to a close.