Ballermann star Willi Herren is deeply affected in the interview by the closing of the party area on Mallorca.
The regional government of Mallorca has closed the party mile "Bierstraße" and "Schinkenstraße" on Ballermann for the time being. Pop singer Willi Herren (45, "Praise the Gentlemen") is regularly out on the Ballermann stages. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the musician explains what the new closings mean for the local owners due to the violations of the corona measures. The musician also reveals why he finds the ban on opening difficult to understand and how he tries to compensate for his own financial losses.
How disappointed are you that the Ballermann restaurants have closed again?
Willi Herren: I am deeply disappointed and shaken. I love the island and the people there. For many, existence depends on the summer season. And I think that many local owners are now having big problems. Sure, we have to do everything we can to stem the pandemic. But whether this ban on opening is the right solution? Who knows now? But it breaks my heart.
What does the closure mean for Ballermann in general?
Gentlemen: The closure threatens the existence of the Ballermann as we know him. I am afraid that many originals that have been on the island for tens of years are part of the inventory there, which is threatened with bankruptcy. New owners will come to Ballermann. I hope that they also have the appropriate mentality. To see the current situation hurts me insane. The local people live and love the season that has now been taken from them.
Do you find the decision justified?
Gentlemen: It is difficult to say. If I listen to my stomach and heart, then of course no. But on the other hand, no people should be harmed. Still, I find many corona rules strange. It will only be possible to say at a certain distance whether these decisions are justified. For me they are difficult to understand.
How do you think corona violations should have been dealt with?
Gentlemen: Anyone who violates measures taken by the government must of course be rebuked. The regulations were finally launched by experts. Nevertheless, I think that you should decide on a case-by-case basis and seek dialogue.
What does it mean for you personally that the bars have closed again?
Gentlemen: For me, of course, these are existential losses. You also plan your professional year. And when the main source of income is taken away from you, it is of course hard. How badly that hit me was also recently reported by the press. It is difficult to understand then. But what can you do?
What do you think about the video recordings of the party vacationers without safety gaps and masks?
Gentlemen: You saw what happened in Ischgl. This must be a clear warning for everyone. Safety distances and masks are unfortunately unavoidable. We have to go through that now. Everyone has to do their part to fight the epidemic.
Do you have a plan B for the new failure?
Gentlemen: I am currently seeing that I am increasingly working on TV again and can thus bridge the free time. I've also done a few gigs in drive-in cinemas. And I'm in front of the camera for filming abroad. Otherwise, I try to regulate other things, such as my current legal debt settlement process. I also spend a lot of time with my family.
Do you plan to come back if it opens?
Gentlemen: Yes, in any case. I can hardly wait.