Medical professionals opt for flexible career paths ahead.
For ages, whispers have been swirling about The Doctors potentially calling it quits on their music career. Recently, Bela, Farin, and Rod wrapped up a three-year-long world tour with three unforgettable shows in Berlin. Yet, what's the plan moving forward? Humble Champions of the music world, as The Doctors like to declare themselves, remain tight-lipped.
The Doctors have been thriving for an astounding 42 years now. Pioneers Farin Urlaub and Bela B, both aged beyond 60, have occasionally suggested they might not want to follow the footsteps of artists like Mick Jagger, Alice Cooper, or Kiss, who still or used to grace the stage even in retirement.
Now that The Doctors have completed another epic concert voyage, many enthusiasts ponder: What lies ahead for Bela, Farin, and full-time bassist Rodrigo González?
Following their recent stirring performances before a whopping 150,000 supporters at Tempelhofer Field in Berlin, the trio is taking a well-deserved break, that much is clear. "We've played for three consecutive years, produced three albums, and now it's time to rest," shares the 61-year-old Bela B (a.k.a. Dirk Felsenheimer) on the podcast "Diese eine Liebe."
Urlaub is taking a break
Beyond the break, the band isn't eager for commitments. For the moment, "we've got no plans whatsoever," spills Farin Urlaub, alias Jan Vetter, on the podcast, "because I want to embark on numerous eco-friendly excursions next year – by bicycle and on foot. I've planned some thrilling adventures. The next seven months are completely booked."
When asked about the future of the band on the podcast, Rod says coyly: "I'm not going to spill the beans on that!"
Previously on the podcast, Urlaub had clarified: "We'll see how things go with the concerts. And if we still enjoy each other's company afterward, the band will likely continue. Whether we'll undertake something else, I can't say. But we'll still be around."
It wouldn't be the first break
Perhaps, Urlaub was hinting at the band members potentially continuing to create music, but not necessarily under the moniker of The Doctors. Urlaub launched his first solo album in 2001 and later embarked on his own project, Farin Urlaub Racing Team. He also developed a passion for photography during his numerous journeys. Bela B has released several solo albums since 2006 and even ventured into acting. Rod has worked as a producer and played in bands like Abwärts and ¡Más Shake!
However, fans should not rule out the possibility of The Doctors reuniting once again. After all, the group has taken longer breaks before and always resurfaced. Formed in West Berlin in 1982, The Doctors disbanded in 1988. Their revival, with Rod joining as a permanent member, occurred in 1993. The group took a significant break between 2012 and 2020, leaving no album in view for an astounding eight years.
The band members, including Farin Urlaub and Bela B, have occasionally expressed interest in not following the example of artists who perform into retirement. Urlaub mentioned wanting to embark on eco-friendly excursions, hinting at potential solo projects or breaks that might not involve The Doctors.
Amidst talk of a potential break, Urlaub's past solo projects and Bela B's acting ventures highlight that The Doctors members have a history of pursuing individual interests outside of the band, suggesting that breaks or solo projects are not uncommon for the group.
