Melodic tunes or rhythmic beats - In Dresden, "Bochum" was celebrated during the start of Grönemeyer's tour.
Singer Herbert Grönemeyer has got a generation of fans enthralled, all while maintaining a fiercely loyal following. A testament to this was seen last Thursday, where around 26,000 passionate individuals celebrated Grönemeyer's jubilee tour, 40 years after the release of his iconic album "4630 Bochum". The 68-year-old musician was clearly delighted, stating, "When you see so many people, you're happy like a child."
The concert started with the song "Das ist los an", followed swiftly by "Sekundenglück". "Tanzen" was when the audience first got fully into the groove, while "Was soll das" saw an entire stadium singing along in unison. Around one hour into the performance, everyone gathered in Dresden experienced his iconic hymn, "Bochum", which Grönemeyer had rehearsed specifically for the occasion.
"4630 Bochum" made it to the album charts for 140 weeks. Popping up on vinyl in 1984 before later being re-released as a CD on the same date, the album has sold more than 3 million copies and landed in the gold records hall of fame, as per Universal Records. For decades, "Bochum" has been blared out prior to every football match VfL Bochum has played.
Throughout his career, Grönemeyer has demonstrated his ability to create hit songs, with tracks like "Kinder an die Macht", "Was soll das" and "Mensch" earning legendary status.
Dresden marked his first performance in over a year, Grönemeyer noted on stage, "I still need to adjust to the air a bit." The next show will be held in Berlin's Waldbühne, followed by a further two shows over the weekend. Grönemeyer's four Bochum concerts scheduled for mid-June are also completely sold out. His additional performances throughout July and August will take place in Stuttgart, Schaffhausen, and Karlsruhe, among other cities.
