By Dirk Krampitz
At 12.30 p.m. there is already a party atmosphere on the 222 bus from Alt-Tegel. “Greek wine” boomed out of loudspeakers they had brought with them, and vino from various countries was already flowing, judging by the mood.
This year, the Schlager Olympus moved from the Lübars amusement park to the outdoor pool. The new location is a bit smaller, but swimming is allowed in non-swimmers.
8000 fans, many of them in colorful costumes, came to see 22 acts in 10 hours. The controversial song “Layla” can be heard five times in different versions, some of which are only sung. Party mood full of newcomers like Ricky Maier and old stars like GG Anderson (“Summer Night in Rome”) and Michael Holm (79, “Mendocino”).
Before his appearance backstage, he loosens his hips with gymnastics and martial arts kicks in bright red shoes. He doesn’t take off his sunglasses. When the Schlager gentleman celebrates on stage with a flower, even DSDS discovery Annemarie Eilfeld becomes a fan and snaps him from the side stage.
It’s her turn later: heavily pregnant, she then performs her hits, but largely leaves the dancing to the background dancers. Nino de Amgelo starts rocking and ends with ballads like his biggest hit “Jenseits von Eden”.
Local hero Frank Zander cleans up with the Hertha anthem, duck dance and “Here comes Kurt” and Bernhard Brink (“Blondes Wunder”) causes the audience to freak out. At the end, Ramon Roselli celebrates a party (among other things again with madam Layla).
The fans dance and don’t let the downpours stop them. Good prospects, by the way: Recently, the future of Schlagerolymp was on shaky ground. But district mayor Uwe Brockhausen (SPD) spoke out on the open stage together with organizer Olaf Schenk for a continuation in 2023. Hossa!