Udo Lindenberg has been one of Germany's best-known musicians since his breakthrough in the 1970s with his Panikorchester and the song "Alles klar auf der Andrea Doria". But despite his long career, he can by no means be described as an oldie - he repeatedly collaborates with young artists such as Jan Delay and Clueso and rocks the stage like no other at his live shows.
Born in Gronau in 1946, Udo Lindenberg has been devoted to music since childhood. In the 1960s he was active as a drummer in numerous bands. Lindenberg also plays the drums and cymbals for the theme music of "Tatort", which is still current today. From 1970 onwards he focuses on composing and singing.
"Alles klar auf der Andrea Doria": Udo Lindenberg's breakthrough
Udo Lindenberg's first LP called "Lindenberg" sells only 7,000 copies. However, the title "Hoch im Norden" becomes a radio hit, at least in northern Germany. But because the desired big success fails to materialise, Udo Lindenberg goes on tour with the band Atlantis - again as a drummer.
In 1973 he releases his next album, which he names after the sunken passenger ship Andrea Doria. With over 100,000 records sold, Udo Lindenberg finally achieves his commercial breakthrough. He is the first German rocker with lyrics in German to receive a contract worth millions.
Udo Lindenberg's political commitment
In the 1980s, Udo Lindenberg mainly campaigns for political issues such as the peace movement, environmental protection and civil rights in the GDR. Songs like "Mädchen aus Ostberlin" (Girl from East Berlin) and "Daumen im Wind" (Thumb in the Wind) awaken a longing for freedom in people on the other side of the Wall.
The musician persistently tries to get permission to play in front of his fans in the GDR. After several failures, he releases the song "Sonderzug nach Pankow" (Special Train to Pankow), in which he takes the GDR head of state Erich Honecker for a ride.
In response to the provocative song, Udo Lindenberg is allowed to give a concert in the Palace of the Republic. However, the audience there is meticulously selected by the GDR regime - his fans are not welcome. It was only after the fall of the Wall that Udo Lindenberg gave his first shows in East Germany. In 1989, the musician was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his work in promoting understanding between East and West.
New paths after the fall of the Wall
At the beginning of the 1990s, things became a little quieter around Udo Lindenberg. He continues to produce music, but also appears as a painter and exhibits his artwork in various galleries. His painting "Wir sitzen alle im selben Boot" (We're all in the same boat) for the victims of the flood disaster in North Rhine-Westphalia in the summer of 2021 fetches 200,000 euros.
Udo Lindenberg's success story after 2008
In 2008, Udo Lindenberg makes a musical comeback with the album "Stark wie Zwei". In addition to top chart positions, the panic president receives much praise and numerous awards. The musical "Hinterm Horizont" and an MTV Unplugged concert follow in 2011. Tickets for this Udo Lindenberg show are booked out well in advance.
Udo Lindenberg manages like no other to remain true to himself with his typical mumbling vocals, hat, studded belt and sunglasses and yet still strike a chord with the times. Collaborations with fellow musicians such as Jan Delay, Clueso and Yvonne Catterfeld go down well with the audience. Experiencing Udo Lindenberg live on tour is still the absolute highlight of the music year for his fans!
His album "Stärker als die Zeit" (Stronger than Time), released in 2016, also makes it to No. 1. Three more MTV Unplugged concerts will follow in Hamburg in July 2018, featuring artists such as Gentleman and Alice Cooper. In 2020, Udo Lindenberg's early life will be filmed under the title "Lindenberg! Do your thing!". The biographical work will receive the German Film Award.
Udo Lindenberg's most successful albums
The following studio albums by Udo Lindenberg entered the German Top 10:
- 1974: „Ball Pompös“
- 1975: „Votan Wahnwitz“
- 1976: „Galaxo Gang – Das sind die Herrn vom andern Stern“
- 1976: „Sister King Kong“
- 1981: „Udopia“
- 1982: „Keule“
- 1983: „Odyssee“
- 1984: „Götterhämmerung“
- 2008: „Stark wie Zwei“
- 2016: „Stärker als die Zeit“
