Entertainment - Roland Kaiser in Dresden: live and wax figure
Giant Stage, unique backdrop, Thousands of Fans and fence-sitters - the legendary "Kaisermania" at the Dresden Elbe River begins with two concerts this weekend. Singer-songwriter Roland Kaiser kicks off the 21st edition on Friday evening, which consists of four concerts (July 26 and 27, August 2 and 3).
A total of 50,000 tickets for this, as per the organizers, were sold "within five minutes." In 2024, the 72-year-old will have his first guest: the well-known pop singer Georg Stengel from "The Voice of Germany." Before the start, Kaiser received a special honor at the Bruhl's Terrace: He met himself - in wax.
A lifelike wax figure that is remarkably convincing
"That's incredible," said the 72-year-old when he first saw the Madame Tussauds wax figure of himself. "A perfect double, one could say." It is identical to him, down to the hairs and wrinkles, except for the outfit: instead of the classic blue two-piece with a colorful insert, Kaiser wears a red pants and dark blue jacket - and is fascinated by his wax figure.
The famous Wax Figure Museum selected Kaiser for the already gathered illustrious, international company of Artists, including Taylor Swift or Helene Fischer. "It's an honor, no question," said Kaiser. His double will stand in a reduced replica of the "Kaisermania" set, with the famous Dresden Old Town skyline and videos of his legendary shows - and will be publicly viewable starting Saturday.
Great respect for the wax figure specialists
Five hours he sat for the Madame Tussauds specialists for the copy of himself, which was then produced in the London workshop of the famous Wax Figure Museum. He saw what hard work that was. "The perfection, that's high art," said Kaiser. It's all perfect, even the wedding ring.
Phenomenon Kaisermania
"The Kaisermania has great significance for me because it marks the beginning of my real live career," confessed Kaiser. "It's an event that can't be compared to anything else because of the special connection to the audience and the city." The native Berliner has had a kind of love affair with "Elbflorenz" since his first visit in 1990 and wrote a hymn for his "affair" Dresden years ago.
With his shows, he turns the Elbe Riverbank opposite the famous Baroque silhouette into a party zone at several evenings. Fans from both in and outside Germany always travel to attend. Hundreds of fence-sitters celebrate for free around the fenced-off area - on meadows, bridges, and the opposite side of the Old Town.
Georg Stengel, 30, takes over the stage from Kaiser this weekend and the first weekend in August. The young man is looking forward to his premiere at the Dresden Film Nights on the Elbe River. For him, Kaiser is "a heartfelt man," said Stengel to the German Press Agency.
At the last concert on August 3, with TV broadcasting (8:15 pm, MDR Television), there will even be a public viewing - in the small community of Seeligstadt, about 25 kilometers east of the Dresden King's Quay.
- Roland Kaiser's wax figure, a stunning look-alike, will be displayed at Madame Tussauds in Dresden, starting Saturday.
- The 72-year-old artist was amazed by the detail and resemblance of his wax figure, created by the specialists at Madame Tussauds.
- After spending five hours with the Madame Tussauds specialists in London, Kaiser admitted that he was in awe of the hard work and perfection that went into his wax figure.
- The Wax Figure Museum in London selected Roland Kaiser to join their prestigious collection of artists, including internationally famous figures like Taylor Swift and Helene Fischer.
- Kaisermania, a phenomenon in Germany, holds significant meaning for Roland Kaiser, as it marked the beginning of his successful live career and a special bond with the city of Dresden.
- The young pop singer Georg Stengel, from "The Voice of Germany," will be the special guest at Kaisermania in 2024, following in the footsteps of Roland Kaiser, who initiated this legendary event in Dresden, Germany.
