Britney to Backstreet Boys: The Baseballs bring the past into the present. On their new album, they mix rock'n'roll with hits from the nineties.
2007: It was pure coincidence that the three "Baseballs" boys met. "It happened in an old industrial building with lots of rehearsal rooms in Berlin," recalls Rüdiger "Digger" Brans (34). The musicians met there in the communal kitchen. "We noticed that we all wore Elvis quiffs on our heads and loved the same music." This led first to a friendship and then to the band: The Baseballs.
2009: The journey begins, the musicians cover well-known hits, pimping them up with rock'n'roll. A recipe for success! The very first song, "Umbrella" by Rihanna, helped The Baseballs to their breakthrough in 2009. Their debut album "Strike!" stormed the charts in German-speaking countries - but also in the UK, Scandinavia and the Netherlands. The still young band won the German music award "Echo" twice - in 2014 they released their first album "Game Day" with mainly original songs.
"There are festivals on every corner in Switzerland"
2011, 2012, 20..: The three feel particularly at home in Switzerland. "Your country has become our second kitchen, we've seen almost every corner of the country, even the dark ones," says Sebastian "Basti" Raetzel (33). "The Swiss are extremely loyal to us." This is also reflected in the chart rankings. These are always slightly better here than elsewhere: "Maybe it has something to do with people's love of live music," says Basti, "there are festivals on every corner in Switzerland."
1990s: The Baseballs' new album will be released on September 9 - again with more cover songs: "We wanted to record one with songs from our youth," says Basti, "and didn't have to think long about which 1990s songs to consider." The selection was difficult, says Sven "Sam" Budja (32): "Of course we chose songs that suited our rock'n'roll style." The track list includes songs by the Backstreet Boys, R. Kelly and the No Angels. The title of the new album? "Hit me baby..." The lead single, which is already available, concludes: "...Baby one more time". It comes from Britney Spears.
Every concert is unique with the Baseballs
2016: The good mood program can soon be heard live - the trio is going on tour with its new songs. "It's important to us that we involve the audience at concerts," says Digger. "It's cool that the fans really enjoy celebrating the fifties with us," adds Sam: "Some women come to our shows in petticoats, men in leather jackets and quiffs. It's fun to see." Doubly good: every concert is unique for the Baseballs: "We don't have a fixed schedule and let ourselves be surprised anew every evening," says Basti. "That way we can make sure we stay fresh with our style."
THE BASEBALLS
15.10.16, Volkshaus Basel
TICKETS
