Matthias Reim
He tries to do better after his breakdown
Matthias Reim sings on his new album: “And I float through old times, in my Zeppelin.”
© Mischa Lorenz
In the interview, Matthias Reim talks about the meaning of the album title “Zeppelin”, a song about his father and his restlessness.
Matthias Reim (66) will release his new studio album “Zeppelin” on April 26th. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the singer explains what meaning the album title has for him and how the song “Radio” reminds of his father. He also talks about the musical collaboration with his children and the 35th anniversary of his hit “Damn, I love you”.
“Zeppelin” is described in an announcement as “the best rhyme of all time.” What makes the album different from its predecessors?
Matthias Reim: Oh, that’s an advertising slogan. This shouldn’t be taken so literally. But of course I always try to do the best I can with every new album. And this time I think I did it really well.
The song “Zeppelin” says: “And I float through old times, in my zeppelin. No matter how high and far, it gently carries me there.” What does the Zeppelin mean to you?
Reim: I live on Lake Constance – and that is also the home of the Zeppelin. Often, when I sit on my terrace, I see the zeppelin up in the sky, calmly going on its way – undeterred by everything that is happening on earth below. I love this view. Somehow the Zeppelin has something nostalgic and something majestic for me. This gentle giant somehow touches me. It reminds me of my childhood, it makes me dream.
According to the announcement, “Radio” was created after your father’s death. It’s about a radio reminding you of him…
Reim: My father always loved listening to music. When I was about five or six years old, he had a small portable radio. He put it on the window in the living room so that the reception would be better. I often sat next to him and we listened to Radio Luxembourg together. These hours spent together with my father were probably why I later became a musician and singer.
It’s about letting go and what remains after death. How did the radio become a souvenir?
Rhyme: One of my brothers asked me, “Do you want to take anything with you?” And without thinking, I pointed to the old radio that had been there for years. “I’ll take the radio with me!” I said spontaneously. Why the radio? I don’t know myself. It’s in my house now Lake Constance.
What did you learn from your father that you would like to pass on to your children?
Rhyme: Many things. For example, his loving way of raising his children. He made sure that each of his sons was allowed to follow their own personal path – four brothers who all have different professions – and that each of them became successful in their own way.
In any case, you also gave your children music. Son Julian and daughter Marie took part in their 1,500th birthday in 2023. Concert with you on stage. How was that for you and will you continue to work with them?
Reim: This collaboration is not part of a conscious concept, it just happens that way. And we will definitely make music together from time to time.
Rapper Finch was also on stage with you. Do you have the feeling that you also appeal to a younger audience?
Reim: I like Finch, we’re real buddies. Together we wrote the song “Zwei wie Pech und Sulfur”, which I now sing as a duet with my son Julian. My songs obviously appeal to all age groups: a lot of young people come to my concert, but just as many who got to know me through “Damn, I love you” and who then remained loyal to me and grew older with me.
They will be on tour again all year round in 2024, with dates for May to September and also for November and December. What do you do to stay fit and fully enjoy all the shows?
Reim: I exercise regularly: at home I have a large swimming pool and a really professional fitness room. These are not exhibits, I do sports regularly and keep myself fit.
You said in our last interview: “After the concert is before the concert, after the album is before the album.” Has this restlessness ever gotten in your way?
Reim: Yes, when I collapsed years ago and my body just told me: This is too much. Since then, I’ve been trying to take longer breaks every now and then and then treat myself to a vacation to relax. But that’s where I mostly compose. It’s hard for me to just laze around.
“Damn, I Love You” will be 35 years old in 2025. Will you celebrate this in any way?
Reim: This song, which made me famous literally overnight, is not only very special for the audience, but also for me. I’ve probably sung it thousands of times – and yet at every concert I always look forward to being able to sing: “I’m walking through the streets…” and I can hear the audience singing along. I celebrate this song with the audience at every concert.