"The prejudice towards Jewish people enrages and saddens me"

I feel angered and saddened by instances of anti-Semitism.

Roland Kaiser, a legendary figure in the music industry, has hit the stage for an astonishing 50 years. Now in his 70s, the singer is celebrating this incredible milestone with a national tour, taking him to cities including Bad Segeberg, Iffezheim, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, and Berlin. In an interview with ntv.de, the music icon reflects on the secrets to his youthfulness and his concerns with current news, like the rise of the right-wing and increasing anti-Semitism.

The interviewer: "Mr. Kaiser, where are we catching you right now?"

Roland Kaiser: "In my hotel room. I'm doing a few phone interviews now before I head to rehearsals."

Given your 50th anniversary tour, where you'll be singing 50 hits per show, must be quite hectic. How do you manage this?

Since we can't play all 50 songs in their entirety, we've found a solution. My repertoire will feature songs in medley format; otherwise, the concerts would run for half the night, which is not practical.

How did you choose the songs?

We've included the top 20 hits and other tracks that have had a significant impact on me throughout my career. These songs have resonated with fans over the years, so they're a must-play.

Any shows you're especially excited about, like your "Kaisermania" in Dresden or the Waldbühne concerts in Berlin?

Being a Berlin native, I have a special connection to the city and the people. The Waldbühne has hosted many unforgettable concerts, and it's a privilege to perform at this iconic venue. The "Kaisermania" has been a memorable part of my open-air concerts, too. Not to mention, I'll be playing stadium shows in front of 40,000 people, which is a first for me. I'm absolutely thrilled about that.

Who have you seen live at the Waldbühne throughout the years?

There have been many remarkable performances at this venue, such as Tina Turner, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, and a really amazing experience with Stevie Wonder during a rainstorm.

What do you think explains the wide age range at your concerts?

People might be seeking out constants during this challenging time. They recognize you as someone who's consistently been around and doesn't change much, providing a sense of reliability and comfort.

When was your first solo concert?

I performed in the Hugenottenhalle near Frankfurt in 1982. I remember it so clearly because the ZDF program director, Peter Gerlach, wanted to attend. His presence was significant and important to me. Unfortunately, he was held up in traffic and arrived late, making me start all my subsequent concerts at 8.07 pm.

What is your opinion on the major changes in the music industry? Vinyl gave way to CDs, which were then replaced by streaming. Some might consider this loss, while others see it as progress…

As an open-minded person, I embrace new developments. Young people today have more accessible, speedy, and affordable music. It's exciting to see what's happening in music, as any type of music can succeed if it's of high quality. The leveling-out will eventually happen, and I'm all for that.

How important is a balanced personal life for you to stay relevant and not become disconnected from current advances?

I try to stay well-informed and receptive to change, believing it fosters creativity. It's more fun that way. These days, great quality alone can take us far.

Roland Kaiser, now in his 70s, is still rocking the stage after 50 years, with a dynamic mix of classic hits and exciting new material. Catch his tour to experience his legendary talent in person!

I frequently collaborate with my 25-year-old daughter, emphasizing the importance of both generations learning from one another. It's crucial for young people to learn from older individuals and vice versa. I'm open to acquiring knowledge from my children or grandchildren because they possess a distinct viewpoint. Even though they're younger, their perspectives shouldn't be discounted as wrong; they're simply different, and frequently correct. It's vital to accept and consider these other views.

Has the inability to listen to one another become a significant issue today?

Absolutely. It's draining to pay attention to others and let them speak out. On certain talk shows, you often see people interrupting each other, which some hosts may even encourage. I enjoy listening to other people and giving them the opportunity to express themselves - without interruptions or judgments.

Do you encounter any obstacles when collaborating with younger individuals in the entertainment business? You seem somewhat dispassionate about gender identity, for example...

Languages evolve constantly. I'm 72 years old and began speaking when I was around four years old. Language has changed significantly since then. Governments, like Germany's, acknowledge this transition by encouraging people to adapt. Our speech from 50 years ago is vastly different from today's. This transformation is not exclusively negative, as there are positive aspects to consider. However, I've always encouraged artists, teachers, and others to adjust to changes.

Why are we even discussing this issue in depth?

It's acceptable if individuals wish to be as happy as they choose. In Cologne, "Every Jeck is different!" reflects this point of view. We should embrace a high level of tolerance.

Your performances primarily prioritize entertainment, but in interviews or other settings, you touch upon political issues.Sometimes, I have an unspoken agreement with my audience members that I'm responsible for providing an escape from reality for approximately two-and-a-half hours. My goal is to create that environment at my concerts. During interviews, be it with journalists or colleagues, I'm open to discussing political matters. However, I avoid delivering speeches during performances.

What are your current concerns?

The rise of conservatism - not only in Germany, but throughout Europe - and resurging anti-Semitism disgust and sadden me. It's troubling that Jews in a country like ours, having endured wartime atrocities, still experience resentment and fear of violence. Some Jews even remove their yarmulkes in public to avoid attack. Shielding every synagogue is necessary, but I find it saddening.

What actions can we take to address this problem?

Keep trying to influence people through our words. I recently participated in a demonstration and delivered a speech at the Brandenburg Gate, where thousands listened to me. This type of event is critical. Repeating such messages is essential to awaken public consciousness.

How can you ensure that your message reaches those outside your circle?

Journalists should always consider where their audience might not already agree with them and work to reach those individuals. Even if they only cause someone to think, this is progress.

You're not overly active on social media, where misinformation often leads to anti-Semitism and a shift to the right. Concerned about how misinformation influences people?

It's not the platform that's concerning, but the incorrect usage of it that poses a problem. I have my daughter manage my social media because she's more adept at it. She handles it sensibly and intelligently. We're cautious with our posts to ensure they align with my political beliefs.

Following the conclusion of your tour in August, what's next for you?

A new album will be released in February or March, and we're planning a new tour starting in April.