In the early 1970s, with no school-leaving qualifications and having dropped out of his piano studies, the comedian hangs out in German stand-up cafés and observes people. He was particularly impressed by older men: despite their shortcomings, they always remained confident. To this day, these "grandpas" are the role models for the performances of "the singing gentleman's cake" Helge Schneider (61).
After his commercial breakthrough with the album "Guten Tach" and his appearance on the TV show "Wetten dass ...?", Schneider has become a household name for millions of viewers. As an eccentric character, he now fills large halls, mumbles absurd jokes and performs jazz tunes. He is in fact a gifted musician and masters a variety of instruments, from trumpet to guitar and violin.
"Radio Pollepopp" is the name of his latest program, with which he gives special concerts in winter and will also be coming to Switzerland on 4 March to conclude this series. Radio with a jazz musician who took off as a TV star and later caused a sensation in films, for example as Adolf Hitler in "Mein Führer" by Swiss director Dani Levy?
"'Radio Pollepopp' means absolutely nothing," says Schneider. "Except perhaps nonsense as nonsense can be." The audience can be surprised by the surprise bag - and will not be disappointed.
This article first appeared in SonntagsBlick.
HELGE SCHNEIDER
March 4, 2017, Musical Theater Basel
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