The band Münchener Freiheit celebrates their 40th anniversary. In an interview, ex-front singer Stefan Zauner talks about his best memories.
Until 2011 Stefan Zauner (68) was the singer of the band Münchener Freiheit and became famous for hits such as "Without you (I won't sleep tonight)", "A thousand times you" and "As long as you can still live dreams". Since then, he and his wife Petra Manuela have continued to refine his solo career.
On the 40th anniversary of Münchener Freiheit, he looks back on his time with the successful band and on Friday (September 11th) releases the album "I take freedom" with his personal favorite songs from thirty years of success. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Zauner shares his best memories.
40 years ago you founded the band Münchener Freiheit. What are the fondest memories you have of your time with the group?
Stefan Zauner: The time when we realized that success was in the air and we were on the right track. Our impatience and anticipation were as exciting as a thriller.
Have you ever regretted leaving Münchener Freiheit?
Zauner: No, the last few years have all been very similar, like going around in circles. Time literally flew by me. More variety has enriched my life.
Do you still have contact with your former bandmates?
Zauner: We met a couple of times for work, we live far too far apart to just visit.
What does the band think of you covering your favorite songs again?
Zauner: At least the fellow composers should be happy.
What is your absolute favorite Munich Freedom song and why?
Zauner: I'm often asked and still haven't found an answer, but I'm really proud of the composition "As long as you can still live dreams". That was something completely different.
One of the biggest hits from Munich Freedom is "Without you (I'm not going to sleep tonight)". Can you still hear the song?
Zauner: I don't play the song every day, of course, but when it's played in the beer tent at the Oktoberfest or another folk festival, I always like to listen to it.
What do you wish Münchener Freiheit on its 40th anniversary?
Zauner: Health so that you can keep making music for a long time.
Her new album is called "I will take freedom". What do you want to take your liberty for in the future? What big dream would you like to fulfill?
Zauner: Petras and my dreams are actually not very far from reality. We love barbecuing in the garden, cooking for friends, playing golf, exploring the lakeshore on the nearby Chiemsee with a stand-up paddle, or working on new songs in our own studio. No cruise, no trip around the world.
You have been in the music business for many decades. Have you ever experienced a difficult situation like the one with the Corona crisis?
Zauner: Yes, the plague in the 18th century. But I was still very young then. (laughs) No, of course not, but luckily we got distracted working on the new album.
How are you personally?
Zauner: The fear like at the beginning of the pandemic has subsided somewhat. Just be careful not to get reckless.
How do you deal with any financial losses?
Zauner: Thank god I don't have any.