Fans bid farewell to Willie Recitals at Central Cemetery

Federal President Alexander van der Bellen was among the first to offer condolences, as were Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ), Culture Minister Werner Kugler and Foreign Minister Andrea Mayer (both Greens). At this time, before the mortuary opened, people had gathered in a 200-meter-long line to say goodbye to Willie. Many paid their respects to the deceased by kneeling in front of the coffin, and some had brought with them mementos of the last session.

“Be a Man” was the party slogan, which was delivered to mourners at the end – along with the request: “Anyone who wants to set an example in Willi’s spirit, please consider Project Integrationshaus by making a donation.” For a long time now, fans of Willi have managed Resetarits from saying goodbye in an online book of condolences by Bestattung Wien. () To date, more than 3,500 people have shared their stories and memories of the musician and people.

The family of the artist and activist, who has been active for decades, decided not to hold a public funeral. This should be done on a small scale in a timely manner. Then Willie Recitalists will also receive a grave of honor in the Central Cemetery.

It will be the last act in the life of Willi Resetarits, who has been a defining figure in the local music scene for many decades and will also remain unforgettable with his social commitment. Born on December 21, 1948 as the son of Burgenland-Croatian parents in Sixties, he was raised speaking Croatian as his two prominent brothers Lukas and Peter.

As a musician, he was successful in a variety of formations – from the political band Schmetterlinge to the Stubnblues to the successful alter-ego Ostbahn-Kurti. At the same time, Resetarits always participated in social debates and raised his voice when the square was squatting in 1976, as co-founder of initiatives such as “Asyl in Not” and “SOS Mitmensch” and as president of the association “Projekt Integrationshaus”.