By Johannes Malinowski
It’s not easy for Bochum residents to live in Berlin these days. Unless you are one of the most successful artists in the country!
It is probably the most modest appearance that a mega-star can make: Herbert Grönemeyer (67) enters the stage in the sold-out Mercedes-Benz Arena at 8:09 p.m. in a black and beige baggy look and sits down at the white piano.
Sentimentally, as so often, he sings: “Sometimes the dew settles on me and then I get quietly sad because I don’t think everything is as beautiful as it is.”
Yes, Mr. Grönemeyer: It was nice!
“Das ist los” is the name of the second song – also the title of the current album and namesake of the tour. And there’s a lot going on. Herbert in top form!
Herbert Grönemeyer had the Mercedes-Benz Arena firmly under control Photo: David’s
A colorful cross-section of his 44-year artistic work. Early on “Bochum” and “Men”, later “Mensch” and “Bleibt Alles Anders”: 13,500 Berliners with a solid grasp of the lyrics and an artist who enjoys joie de vivre and depth. Sometimes an intimate cuddle concert, then the big rock show.
Grönemeyer politically before his song “Oh Oh Oh”: “A democracy needs those who drive the government in front of them and fight for the climate.”
Others retire at 67, Grönemeyer rages across the stage like a youngster. The conscience and happiness maker of the nation. And the generations.
Almost three hours of concert, 33 songs, ten (!) of which are encores. A simple stage, unfortunately not always the best sound. Grönemeyer mumbles it away.
It is the fifth of 17 concerts on the current tour. If you can’t get enough of Herbert Grönemeyer: The concert in the Waldbühne on June 5th is sold out, but tickets are still available for the additional date on June 6th (from 80.95 euros).