Bernhard Brink
That’s why he and his wife don’t give each other anything for Christmas
Bernhard Brink is positive and looking forward to the coming year.
© Daniela Jäntsch
Bernhard Brink reveals what he is planning for Christmas this year, what gift type he is and who is preparing the food at home.
Bernhard Brink (71) made a name for himself in the hit industry in the 1970s. In 2022 he celebrated his 50th stage anniversary. There’s no reason for the 71-year-old to retire: The pop singer is on tour again this year, is currently working on a new album and his show “The Big Hit Parade” will continue from January. But Brink wants to relax again over the Christmas holidays. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the “Liebe auf Zeit” singer explains why he and his wife Ute no longer give each other Christmas presents, which hit newcomers he sees as being on the right track and how, after around 30 years, he is getting his second one Christmas album “Merry Christmas with Bernhard Brink” (released on November 24th) came.
Mr. Brink, how are you celebrating Christmas this year? Are there certain traditions that you keep?
Bernhard Brink: We used to go to my mother’s over Christmas and she cooked wonderfully for us – in other words, “feeding at mother’s house”. Unfortunately she died seven years ago. That’s why my wife and I will go to the sun this year and spend beautiful days with friends.
Who is preparing Christmas dinner now – you or your wife?
Brink: My wife likes to cook and cooks well, I have no idea about cooking. We also like to go to restaurants, there are many and very good ones in Berlin. At We definitely want to eat at home for Christmas.
What is your funniest Christmas memory?
Brink: As a little boy, I was once given an ice hockey stick and then shot down the Christmas tree with the puck. I also remember ripping open cupboards because I couldn’t wait for my presents. I laugh about it now, but back then I got in a lot of trouble.
Topic Christmas presents: Are you more practical or creative? Do you already have all the presents for this year?
Brink: I’m more practical, but my wife and I don’t really give each other anything for Christmas anymore. If we need something, we give it to each other throughout the year, not at a fixed date. We once went completely wrong when it came to gifts, so we’d rather skip this “obligatory gift giving”.
In an interview you once complained about the fast pace of today’s world. How do you manage to relax over the holidays?
Brink: Our times have become very fast-moving due to the media and the many impressions associated with them. Unfortunately, due to the current situation in the world, this isn’t all that positive – and there’s no stopping it before Christmas either. It’s painful to see what’s on the news. But you have to try to switch off sometimes and enjoy the beautiful moments. So we’re going away over the holidays to get some peace and quiet.
What inspired you to record a second Christmas album after almost 30 years?
Brink: It was just about time again. We wanted to do it because there are such beautiful songs. My team and I mainly chose the traditional ones that people know and like to sing at Christmas. We left out a few classics like “O Tannenbaum” and instead created a mix of old and newer Christmas songs. For example, there is the Wham hit “Last Christmas” or “Let it Snow” as a swing number. We want to reflect what we are currently doing in Schlager: offer a wide musical range.
What music do you most like to listen to over the Christmas period?
Brink: A favorite song of mine is “Heidschi-Bum-Beidschi” by Heintje back then and in general. For my album, I was particularly interested in singing “Hallelujah” in the key of Leonard Cohen.
Your expert view of the next generation of Schlager artists: Are young artists like Eric Philippi, the Laffontien Brothers or Julian Reim doing everything right and are on the right track?
Brink: Eric Philippi is highly talented and also writes for other artists in the industry. He’s definitely going his own way. Julian is also a great guy. If you ask me, I’m always happy to give you tips. They will all find their way, I’m sure. But it hasn’t become any easier than it used to be.
Are there any resolutions you make or break every year?
Brink: I no longer make resolutions. I always have to lose some weight after Christmas, but I can manage that too. I do a lot of exercise – so I don’t break any resolutions. For me, health is the basis for everything and that’s what I want for 2024. That things stay the way they are for a long time.