From Dw · · 1m 30s
Wolf Biermann at 90: Defying East Germany
Wolf Biermann, the East German singer-songwriter, celebrates 90 years of defying oppression with new album and global freedom messages.
In brief
Wolf Biermann, the East German singer-songwriter, celebrates 90 years of defying oppression with new album and global freedom messages. Wolf Biermann releases his 90th birthday album 'Unterm Haar nur Himmel' after being exiled from East Germany for criticizing its regime. Originally reported by Dw.
Wolf Biermann's New Album
Wolf Biermann releases his 90th birthday album 'Unterm Haar nur Himmel' with lyrics celebrating freedom.
“Beneath hair lies open sky: a metaphor for inner freedom, independence and imagination.”
Defying East Germany
Wolf Biermann was exiled from East Germany in 1976 after criticizing its regime with political songs.
“I felt like the ground had opened up beneath me. I was overcome with fear, everything went dark.”
Early Life in Hamburg
Born in Hamburg in 1936, Wolf Biermann's father was a Jewish communist resistance fighter arrested by the Gestapo.
“I pressed my face into my mother's soft coat so I could breathe. A sense of security in the midst of the end of the world.”
East Berlin Education
Biermann studied political economy, mathematics and philosophy in East Berlin while working at the Berliner Ensemble.
“My mother had only one goal after those dark years: I was supposed to survive so that I could take revenge for my father's death.”
Exile and Return
Biermann was banned from performing in East Germany in 1965 but allowed to tour West Germany in 1976.
“I was supposed to build communism.”
Political Impact
Biermann's songs inspired protests against East German regime and led to his expulsion from the country.
“The party bosses were torn. They were delighted by this young poet who could play the guitar so beautifully.”
90th Birthday Plans
Biermann plans to spend his 90th birthday at home in Hamburg with his wife and manager, skipping the party.
“I'm so old and I can feel my strength fading. And I know that the next day I have a major concert at the Berliner Ensemble.”
Burial Plans
Biermann wants to be buried at Berlin's cemetery with famous writers and intellectuals like Bertolt Brecht.
“He still has a thing or two to discuss with them.”
Legacy of Freedom
Biermann's music continues to inspire global movements for freedom and human rights.
“The world's conflicts take different forms in each generation. But it's always the same struggle for freedom.”
In short
Wolf Biermann releases his 90th birthday album 'Unterm Haar nur Himmel' after being exiled from East Germany for criticizing its regime.
