Recommendations of the Editorial team
Ahoy! Dear Udolius Maximus,
In 1975, over 50 years ago, as an illegal immigrant without speaking a word of German, I heard my first concert in Germany and yours in Stuttgart – and was totally amazed. I didn’t understand a word at the time, but it moved me deeply! You touch people and have also reached me emotionally as a musician. And what united us even back then was our mutual mentor Klaus Doldinger, who opened the doors to the Munich studio scene for me after I fled and you moved to Hamburg.
You are always the chancellor of the heart for us free thinkers with our common values, a ‘Colorful Republic of Germany’, of which I have become a proud citizen, who has led us through all the challenges of our generations, always moving forward with a bright light, even in the dark tunnel. Your “What are wars for?” became my anthem and all of ours. Back then we were a pluralistic, peaceful country in love with success and you showed us all the way, even ‘Honey’, the dictator from the East in sheep’s clothing. You have made a funny figure out of the party leader of this unjust state, and that is a true peace movement.
“Don’t panic and Rock On!”
It was always legendary moments when you came on stage at our concerts and joined us and made lifelong friends with all the “world champions”, as you call them, in the Soulmates.
I like to think of the nights at the House of Blues in Los Angeles when we were at the Grammys with my kids and the wonderful evenings on the roof of the Atlantic or in your studio.
When we celebrated your 70th together ten years ago, you said, “Leslie, turning 70 is terrible, but the alternative is even worse.” The whole gang, Otto, Peter Maffay, we are now all over 70 and are looking forward to many, many healthy, powerful years with you. Because not only we, your friends, but also the entire ‘Bunte Republik Deutschland’ needs you – ideally as Chancellor and Panic President, who will lead us out of this labyrinth of crises with a compass in his hand.
So Udolius Maximus, eggnog to you! We celebrate you, my dear friend! Don’t panic and Rock On!
Your soulmate Leslie
Leslie Mandoki and Udo Lindenberg have had a close artistic friendship that has lasted for decades. The music producer Mandoki describes Lindenberg as a “soulmate” and an integral part of his musical family. Klaus Doldinger and Udo Lindenberg played a crucial role in the integration of Leslie Mandoki after his escape from Hungary in the 1970s. As established musicians, they helped the young drummer gain a foothold in the Munich music scene.
