David Hasselhoff has a new album on the market. In the interview he also reveals why he didn’t like the “Baywatch” film.
Vaccination campaign, his own TV series, a new album: entertainer David Hasselhoff (68) has returned to work after many corona lockdowns. The 68-year-old jester wants to lure people off their sofas and with well-known songs like “Sweet Caroline” or “I was made for loving you” he covers real classics on his new album “Party your Hasselhoff”. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, he explains why he supports the federal government in its vaccination campaign and reveals why he is not a fan of the “Baywatch” film.
The last year has been very difficult for everyone. Many are already vaccinated. You support the federal government’s vaccination campaign. How come?
David Hasselhoff: For me it was a matter of course. I couldn’t believe that hardly anyone is vaccinated. The federal government called me and asked if I would like to be part of the vaccination campaign. I said, “Ok, I’m 100 percent involved”. I care for people and want them to understand that vaccination will save their lives and the lives of many other people. It is very important that everyone has access to the vaccine – I know that is not so easy in Germany. I was very glad and happy that I was asked. I’ve been looking for freedom – sleeves up!
Did you have any side effects from the vaccination?
Hasselhoff: No, none at all. For me there was no question that I would get vaccinated. Everyone: get the vaccination and if there are any problems we can always solve them later. In contrast to death, the problems are only very small. Death is the last frontier – after that there is nothing, that’s it.
How did you spend your time during the lockdowns?
Hasselhoff: I was frustrated. I always wore a mask and glasses, which was good because hardly anyone recognized me. I worked a lot. For me it was a time to reflect and take a break from watching TV. I got addicted to the negative coverage and got to a point where I was annoyed with myself and others were annoyed with me. Then I thought to myself, “Don’t be angry, smile!” You have the opportunity and the responsibility to change only one person and that always starts with working on yourself. The pandemic was a difficult time for me – a real roller coaster ride. I couldn’t believe what was happening and what is happening in India and the UK these days.
You and your wife sat on each other a lot during lockdowns. Did you get on your nerves every now and then?
Hasselhoff: No, it was really amazing and everyone admires it. She brought a sense of family and camaraderie to America and a sense of passion and history from Wales. Los Angeles is a very different place – it’s a facade, a backdrop, it’s not real. She makes it very real and tells me things that I need to hear that no one else would tell me because I’m a celebrity. When I tell her that I’m really bad, she comforts me and says I don’t have to be like that because I go on stage and I’m fantastic. I have to learn what to say when I go on stage and give a speech and learn to be a better person and that’s me – it’s amazing.
Did your relationship change when you got married?
David Hasselhoff: No. We were a couple for almost ten years before we got married. When I asked her how long we were together and she replied “ten years”, I said, “Wow, we should get married”. She said “ok” and we tied the knot. My opinion is: You should only get married if you can no longer do without the other. When she’s not there, I miss her and always have to have her with me.
Her new album is called “Party your Hasselhoff”. You cover songs by Elvis, Neil Diamond, Iggy Pop and other artists – do you have a favorite musician?
Hasselhoff: Neil Diamond is one of my favorite artists – and Elvis of course. Somebody once said to me: “You make the perfect album.” Whereupon I said, “I don’t know, I only cover other people’s songs.” I can really sing anything that is presented to me. But I never know if it will ever build on the success of “Looking for Freedom”. At first I wasn’t sure if I wanted to record the album. I actually wanted to sing my own songs, but was then convinced. I know it will never be as big as “Looking for freedom”, but because of the pandemic and the fact that we have all been locked up for so long, everyone wants to dress nicely and party.
You also covered “Damn I love you” by Matthias Reim in English.
Hasselhoff: That was the first song I chose for the album. I called Matthias and asked him for permission beforehand and if I could sing his song in English: “Damn it I love you, and then I don’t”. I really like this song and it knocked me off the top of the charts back then. I was number one for eight weeks and then Matthias became number one (laughs). Everyone knows this song.
Would you also sing the song in German with Matthias Reim?
Hasselhoff: I would definitely sing it in German. In fact, he and I will probably be performing this song together for the first time. He’s a fan of mine and a very good friend and a rock and roller – I admire that because I really like the genre.
You are currently working on a series called “Ze Network” for RTL with Henry Hübchen. You play yourself in it. Is it easier to play yourself than to slip into someone else’s role?
Hasselhoff: No, it’s good that I play myself because I’m still acting. David Hasselhoff is a father, husband, entrepreneur, and adventurer. I do everything that lies in front of me – that also applies to the album. “Ze Network” is a kind of black comedy. When I was reading the script, I gave it to my neighbor and asked her if she thought the show was weird or great. She said she thought she was “oddly great”.
How is working with Henry Hübchen?
Hasselhoff: We haven’t met yet, but I’m really looking forward to working with him. I hope and pray that I can shoot the series.
You’re kind of a legend here in Germany. What do you think of the personality cult around you and when fans get tattoos on your face?
Hasselhoff: My father once said to me: “Would you have ever believed that people in South Africa would pronounce the name ‘Hasselhoff’?” I once met a man in Spain who had a tattoo of my face on his bum. I asked him if he was drunk and he said no. I said, “You weren’t drunk and you have a tattoo of my face on your bum?” He just said, “Yes, I love you.” (laughs) I wish my mom and dad could see that I still keep going, doing my best, doing concerts and now having my own TV series – how cool is that? I am very proud of it and hope to be able to continue.
They are planning another album and a “Knight Rider” movie. Will there be another “Baywatch” movie?
Hasselhoff: I’m not sure. I do not think so. I saw the “Baywatch” movie and wasn’t really happy about it. It wasn’t “Baywatch” – it was just wrong. It was what it was and Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron are lovely people and were honored to work with me, but it wasn’t Baywatch. “Knight Rider”, however, will be “Knight Rider”. We will see.
If you got the chance to make a “Baywatch” movie again, would you dare?
Hasselhoff: Yes I would! Never say Never. I want everyone to know that I am only human. I’m an entertainer, not a singer, not an actor. I’m always David Hasselhoff first – and we’ll see what comes next. I don’t even know myself.