The ESC star Johnny Logan appears at the "Advent Festival of 100,000 Lights". In an interview, he reveals what he thinks of Florian Silbereisen.
Johnny Logan (66) is best known to many from the 80s and 90s, when he won three times as a singer and composer at the Eurovision Song Contest (then Grand Prix Eurovision de la Chanson). His hits "What's Another Year" and "Hold Me Now" are evergreens. Nowadays, the singer is still active as a musician and, among other things, campaigns for the association LichtBlick Seniorenhilfe e.V. for seniors in poverty.
On Saturday (November 28th) he will perform at the "Advent Festival of 100,000 Lights" (Das Erste, 8:15 pm). In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the 66-year-old reveals what he thinks of presenter Florian Silbereisen (39, "The Album"), how he remembers his victories at ESC and whether fans will soon join him after his last album from 2007 can count on new music.
What does it mean to you to perform at the "Advent Festival of 100,000 Lights"?
Johnny Logan: This year especially, it's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Christmas and create a moment of hope, music and joy – at a time when the world needs it.
What do you think of Florian Silbereisen?
Logan: I've known Florian for a few years now. He's a great person, very talented and professional who is great to work with. He always brings a warm atmosphere to the shows he moderates.
The TV show ushers in the Christmas season. How important is this time to you?
Logan: Christmas is a very important time for me. Growing up in Ireland it was a time to be grateful for the things you have and the people with whom you have shared them. It is a time for giving, for love and kindness. But it is also a time to celebrate belief in my Creator and his birthday and to remember those who are no longer with me.
You are committed to the fight against poverty in old age. Why is this topic so important to you?
Logan: Because we live in a world where the days go by so quickly and people are so busy trying to survive that we sometimes overlook the elders and their needs. I believe that our society and we as human beings benefit from the love we share with one another. We learn so much about how to love from the elders. Always remembering it makes us stronger and better as humans.
Have you ever thought of retirement yourself?
Logan: No, not for a while. There is still too much music in me.
In the 80s and 90s you won the Eurovision Song Contest three times. How do you remember that time?
Logan: Wonderful highs and terrible lows. If you took my life on stage, you couldn't think of more drama.
Your first participation was exactly 40 years ago. What does it mean to you to be considered a Grand Prix legend?
Logan: It's something that nobody can take away from me. It opened so many doors for me to a career that has now spanned 40 years. It was very difficult to get rid of the "Mr. Eurovision" title at times, but I have no regrets.
How do you feel when you sing the song "What's Another Year" these days?
Logan: I still love all of my three Eurovision wins and “What's Another Year” and “Hold Me Now” in particular are such big songs – not just as hits, but also in people's memories. I love performing them.
How has the Eurovision Song Contest changed over the years? Would you attend again today?
Logan: Today's Eurovision Song Contest represents today's music industry. I love attending the event, but I wouldn't go back to it. I really miss the orchestra and the feeling of this special occasion, but three wins are enough.
Actually, you would have gone on tour for your big anniversary. How sad are you that the concerts cannot take place?
Logan: I am obviously very sad that all the plans and celebrations for 2020 have either been canceled or postponed. But the health of those I love, my family, friends and fans comes first and I will be there to make up for it for years to come.
The music industry is suffering from the Corona crisis. How are you as a musician during this time?
Logan: I feel like everyone else. It was devastating, but I used the time to write new music. So I'm prepared for 2021 and I will make up for the lost time. It's hard to be positive at times, but it's important that we try.
You released your last album in 2007. Can your fans expect new music soon?
Logan: Absolutely, I wrote six new songs during the pandemic and I'll be back in the studio for the record as soon as humanly possible.