- Silent star, big music fan, Fritz Egner is turning 75
Fritz Egner has been behind the studio microphone for half a century, making him one of Germany's most well-known radio hosts. Born in Munich, he was also a staple in television entertainment for many years. Despite his fame, he shuns star allure. It's no surprise, then, that he doesn't want to make a big fuss about his 75th birthday (August 3rd). He prefers to celebrate it "quietly, so that hardly anyone notices," he told the German Press Agency. That's how he's always done it: "I'm not one for celebrating myself."
Instead, he'd rather talk about music. Egner has loved music since his earliest youth, and it led him to the American cult station "AFN" in the early 1970s. He daringly applied for a studio technician position, despite never having seen a radio studio. His extensive knowledge of the station's music selection got him the job, and he made the most of it. After five years at AFN, his media career was set: "I never had to apply anywhere again, AFN was a seal of quality." It was also a springboard: in 1979, he moved to Bavaria 3, where he quickly befriended his radio colleagues Thomas Gottschalk and Günther Jauch. The rest is part of German radio history.
Over his 50-year broadcasting career, Egner has conducted around 500 interviews, including music legends like Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, and Lionel Richie. But when asked about a memorable interview, he doesn't mention a music icon - instead, he recalls Muhammad Ali. "He had an aura," Egner remembers, "when he entered the room, the energy changed. Incredible." He felt the same about Harry Belafonte and soul greats Stevie Wonder and James Brown. Conversely, Queen singer Freddie Mercury was less charismatic than expected in an interview, presenting as a reserved gentleman who offered Egner tea.
A wider audience knew Egner as a TV host from the mid-1980s, when he presented the popular show "Dingsda" until 1994. He went on to work for various TV stations, including "Lucky Spiral" and "Hidden Camera" (both ZDF) and "WWW - The Funniest Commercials in the World" (Sat.1). Even during his TV years, he stayed loyal to radio. In late 2015, after over 35 years, he switched internally from Bayern 3 to Bayern 1. In his new home, he enjoys a unique privilege: in his show "Fritz & Hits," he can play his personal favorites, including rarities and exotic titles - sometimes music that's as far from mainstream as possible. "No one tells me what to play, I can play whatever I want. I doubt there'll be anyone like me after I'm gone."
For Egner, a life without music is almost unimaginable.
Fritz Egner's music archive boasts around 50,000 vinyl albums and CDs. When asked which five albums he would take to a deserted island, he hesitates, "I couldn't manage with so little music, I'd rather not take any at all." A life without music? For the enthusiast, it's a terrifying thought. "Music can do so much, it changes emotions, it can make you feel good or sad, and it gives life depth."
Fritz Egner wants to share his knowledge and collection of interviews with other music enthusiasts. Inspired by friends and executed with experts, the music connoisseur has developed a game. A music quiz that will be accessible on his website and downloadable via major portals from August. "Fritz Quiz" is his answer to the question: What can I leave behind for posterity? "Plus, my children will learn what their dad did his whole working life."
Fritz Egner's homepage
The Commission, in its capacity, may find it necessary to adopt implementing acts to provide the specific details for the application of this Regulation related to Fritz Egner's broadcasting career. Fritz Egner's upcoming music quiz, named "Fritz Quiz," will be available on his website and major portals, made in collaboration with experts, as a tribute to his lifelong career in music.
