interview
Peter Maffay
“Every minute is precious”
© Gerald Matzka/Getty Images
Peter Maffay about his farewell to the big stage, his family happiness – and the lunch for his little daughter.
Peter Maffay: He makes a big decision
At the same time, “Du” also sounds like a dedication to his five-year-old daughter Anouk. Above all, she is the reason why Peter Maffay made a far-reaching decision at the age of 74. In 2024 he will go on a major tour of Germany for the last time. He still easily fills every stadium. But there is something that is even more important to him than music: his family. In purely mathematical terms, Maffay has long since reached grandpa age. All the more reason why he – super fit – wants to see as much as possible of how Anouk grows up, how she finds her way into life, step by step. “Every minute with such a small person is precious,” he tells GALA.
More time with the family and a farewell in installments
Peter Maffay has been in a relationship with Anouk’s mother, the former teacher Hendrikje, for a total of eight years. He sees his late happiness as a father after two children have already grown up as the crowning achievement of this love. The passionate stage person will of course miss the tour life. But Maffay says with conviction: “I want to invest my time in my family now.” Strictly speaking, it will be a showbiz farewell in installments. He continues to make music and perform with his band. However, the long months on the road will be a thing of the past in the future.
© Gerald Matzka/Getty Images
Quality time with Anouk
What will he do with his newfound free time? Above all, he looks forward to everyday rituals. Some are already there when he’s home. Maffay: “Then every morning it’s my job to look after Anouk, prepare her breakfast and her lunch and take her to kindergarten. I enjoy this time because then we can both talk undisturbed. That’s great.” With its typical rolling “R” it sounds even more grandiose. Anouk is a bright, inquisitive girl. This makes him extremely proud. “She spends a lot of time with people and is therefore very open. Watching how she absorbs and processes all impulses in order to learn something from them is simply beautiful to see.”
Music experiences for the next generation
And then the thoroughbred musician comes through again! Sometimes he takes Anouk on stage with him during the sound check. “I want to create as many incentives as possible for them. And music is a quality in life that I can only recommend to everyone.”
The fact that Anouk could one day follow in his footsteps is a very nice thought. “I would be incredibly happy,” says Maffay, “if she starts making music herself at some point. That would give her a lot of tools for future life situations.” His motto is: “Music is a wonderful medicine cabinet that you can retreat into when you’re feeling bad. You have time to deal with yourself, to listen to yourself, but also to touch other people with your own music .” The Christmas season will now be a test run for the next phase of his life. Maffay reveals: “During the holidays we slow down to enjoy time as a family.”